Colington man’s body recovered from ocean, dog and boat still missing

The Atlantic Ocean around Oregon Inlet, while appearing calm on the evening of Monday, Nov. 4, 2025, is known for being treacherous. (Photo by Corinne Saunders)

By Corinne Saunders

KILL DEVIL HILLS — The body of a Colington Island man on a recreational fishing trip out of Oregon Inlet was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean east of the inlet on Thursday morning, officials said, but his dog and boat have not yet been found.

The death of Carlson Bryan Johnson III, 49, known as “BJ,” is under investigation by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Sgt. Anna Barbosa told Outer Banks Insider in a Friday afternoon phone call.

Johnson is “a well-known person in the community; it’s a tragic event,” said Capt. Christopher Lee of the North Carolina Marine Patrol.

Carlson Bryan “BJ” Johnson III (Photo courtesy Outer Banks Health)

Barbosa was not sure of the missing dog’s breed, but she said the missing boat was a nearly 19-foot gray MayCraft.

“We’re hopeful to find the vessel, but that’s what makes this case very unusual, because you generally find the vessel…it’s the victims that don’t always get found,” Barbosa said. “It’s very tragic, but at least the family has him.”

Johnson lived in Colington Harbour, an unincorporated area of Dare County, according to state and county public records. Kill Devil Hills is the closest town, so Colington addresses are listed officially as Kill Devil Hills. He worked as a family nurse practitioner for Outer Banks Health.

Lee said he received the message about an overdue boater at approximately 10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, and contacted one of his officers, who “went to Oregon Inlet Fishing Center and confirmed the truck and trailer were still there.”

Around 11 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Patrol and “several volunteers that had heard at the time that the subject was missing” began searching for him, Lee said.

A local charter captain found Johnson’s body around 8:15 a.m. Thursday approximately 3 miles east of Oregon Inlet and stayed nearby until Marine Patrol officers could arrive and provide transport, Lee said.

The medical examiner’s office ordered an autopsy, which has not yet been completed, Lee said.

The Wildlife Resources Commission investigates all recreational boating accidents in North Carolina, and “that’s what we’re treating this as,” Barbosa said. “We don’t know what happened at this point.”

She noted that Johnson was not wearing a life jacket.

“It’s always a good idea to wear life jackets, especially if you’re on a boat alone,” Barbosa said.

This is the first known boating fatality off the Outer Banks coast this year. Last year, Barbosa said she investigated four fatalities. One was in Grandy and one was off the Cape Point area of Hatteras Island.

She said that “the two most notable ones”— Capt. Charlie “Griff” Griffin of “Wicked Tuna” fame and Chad Dunn, who was onboard with him—also took place off Oregon Inlet.

The Coastland Times first reported the recovery of Johnson’s body on Friday.

Outer Banks Health issued the following statement late Friday afternoon:

Outer Banks Health is deeply saddened to learn of Carlson “BJ” Johnson’s passing. BJ has been a nurse practitioner with Outer Banks Health for more than 10 years and his unwavering commitment to serving the patients he loved made a profound difference in the lives of many. Outer Banks Health extends its deepest sympathies to all who knew BJ, including his family, friends, colleagues and patients.

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Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 5:05 p.m. to include a statement from Outer Banks Health and the nature of Johnson’s employment. Did you appreciate Outer Banks Insider’s ad-free independent journalism? It takes significant time and effort to bring you this quality service. Subscribe today at this link to access all our in-depth, exclusive reporting and to directly support the continuation of this important work in the community.