Charlie “Griff” Griffin Dies: Boating Accident Takes Life Of ‘Wicked Tuna’ Captain And His Dog

Wicked Tuna Captain Charlie “Griff” Griffin and his dog Leila died on the Outer Banks in what is presumed to be a boating accident. The incident occurred some time between Sunday night, when the boat was reported missing, and Monday, when a boat and the body of a man and a dog were found near Oregon Inlet. The Coast Guard later identified the bodies as those of Griffin and his dog. A person with them remained missing as of Monday evening.

A post Monday on the Reels of Fortune Facebook page confirmed the news: “It is with the deepest sadness we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have passed away in a boating accident today, March 4th. Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We will forever remember Griff!”

Last night, according to the Outer Banks Voice, the U.S. Coast Guard released the following statement:

On the morning of 3/4/24, the US Coast Guard received a report of an overdue vessel traveling from Virginia to Wanchese, NC. The 35′ vessel was subsequently located off Pea Island and the body of Charles Griffin Jr (Charlie Griffin) of Wanchese, NC and his dog (deceased) were recovered onshore near the same. The vessel appears to have capsized somewhere near Oregon Inlet. Officers are still searching for a second occupant that was aboard the vessel. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the ongoing investigation along with assistance from officers from US Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, NC Marine Fisheries, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, and the US Coast Guard.

Griffin appeared on Seasons 2-5 of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks as he and his crew tried to reel in bluefin tuna in the waters off North Carolina.