Coastal Community Mourns: OBX Resident Lost at Sea
Outer Banks, NC – A wave of sorrow has swept over the tight-knit coastal community of the Outer Banks (OBX) as residents mourn the tragic loss of a beloved local who was reported missing at sea over the weekend. Authorities have confirmed that 34-year-old Jeremy “Jay” Collins, an experienced fisherman and long-time OBX resident, was lost during a solo fishing trip that began early Saturday morning.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, Collins set off from the Wanchese Marina around dawn aboard his 22-foot center console boat. Family members say it was a routine outing for the seasoned waterman, who had fished these waters for over a decade. When he failed to return by sunset and didn’t respond to calls or messages, relatives alerted the Coast Guard.
A search and rescue operation was launched promptly, involving helicopters, rescue boats, and assistance from local volunteers. Debris believed to be from Collins’ vessel was discovered approximately 12 miles off the coast near Oregon Inlet late Sunday evening, but there was no sign of Collins himself. As of Monday afternoon, the Coast Guard announced they were suspending the active search, pending new information.
“We never take decisions like this lightly,” said Commander Ryan Mitchell of the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. “Jay was a respected member of this community and a skilled fisherman. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this heartbreaking time.”
The news has shaken the Outer Banks, where Collins was well-known not just for his work on the water, but for his involvement in local events and youth programs. Friends describe him as generous, adventurous, and always willing to lend a hand.
“He was the guy who’d drop what he was doing to help fix your boat or give advice to the younger kids just getting into fishing,” said Emily Rhodes, a long-time friend. “There’s a hole in this community now that can’t be filled.”
Collins is survived by his wife, Marissa, and their two young children. A candlelight vigil is planned for Wednesday evening at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, where the community will gather to honor his memory and support his grieving family. Local businesses have also started fundraising efforts to help with expenses and support the Collins family in the coming months.
“This is what makes OBX special — when tragedy hits, we come together,” said Mayor Ben Townsend. “Jay’s loss is our loss, and we will stand with his family every step of the way.”
As the community reflects on the dangers of life at sea, many are calling for increased safety measures and improved tracking technology for small fishing vessels. Meanwhile, the ocean that gave so much to Collins — and ultimately took him — remains calm today, mirroring a town in mourning.
Leave a Reply