88-Year-Old Jacksonville Man Dies After Boat Capsizes in Bogue Inlet

CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. — An 88-year-old Jacksonville man has died after his boat overturned Sunday in Bogue Inlet, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Boat Overturns in Rough Waters

Authorities say the 23-foot Key West vessel capsized just before noon as it traveled through rough waves in the inlet. The incident threw both men onboard into the water.

The boat’s owner, identified as Arthur Furtney, was later recovered by the captain of a nearby excursion boat, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Second Man Survives After Holding to Buoy

Officials said the second man, Paul Brown, survived after swimming to a buoy and holding on until the same excursion boat returned to rescue him.

Wildlife officers said neither man was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. The agency emphasized that life vests are critical in unpredictable coastal inlets, where strong tides and choppy water can overturn boats within seconds.

Officials Urge Boater Safety

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission reminded boaters to check marine conditions before entering open water and to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times, especially in rough surf.

“Even experienced boaters can find themselves in danger when waves shift unexpectedly,” officials said in a safety reminder issued Monday.

The tragic accident adds to a recent rise in boating-related deaths reported along North Carolina’s coast this year.

Readers are encouraged to share condolences and boating safety tips at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.