OREGON INLET, N.C. — The tight-knit boating and fishing community is mourning the devastating loss of Frank Hennigan, a beloved captain, innovator, and friend to many, who tragically died Thursday when the boat he was delivering capsized in Oregon Inlet.
For those who knew him, Frank was more than a skilled mariner — he was a legend on the water, a man whose passion for the sea was matched only by his generosity and good humor. With countless hours spent navigating boats across the globe, Frank was respected and admired by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
“He had more time on the water than anyone I know,” one close friend shared. “Frank was the kind of guy who could make anyone feel like family — always smiling, always giving, always helping.”
Frank’s story began years ago when he first found his sanctuary by the water. Friends fondly recall “the birdhouse,” his cozy one-room fishing shack filled with gear, palm trees, and flowers swaying in the breeze — a slice of Key West tucked away in Wildwood. It was there that Frank welcomed newcomers, shared stories, and built lifelong friendships.
He was an innovator in offshore fishing, one of the first to champion big center-console boats when sportfishers dominated the scene. Many followed his lead. Frank also volunteered tirelessly for Wounded Warrior fishing tournaments, donating his time, boat, and expertise to ensure veterans could enjoy a day of joy and camaraderie on the water.
Friends remember him as the life of every gathering — from late nights at the Ship n Shore to dinners at Beach Creek or cocktails at the Schooner. But his heart always belonged to the water, and to his family.
Frank leaves behind his beloved wife and three children, who now face unimaginable heartbreak. Those closest to him take solace in believing he has been reunited with his late father and his dear friend Kathy Algard, who passed away just a week earlier after a courageous battle with cancer.
As one friend put it, echoing the words from It’s a Wonderful Life:
“One man’s life touches so many others. He will be missed by so many.”
The boating world has lost a true legend — a man whose laughter, generosity, and spirit will forever echo across the waves he loved so much.
Rest easy, Captain Frank. Tie her off, watch the sunset, and crack open a cold one — your voyage now continues in calmer seas. ⚓🍻