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EDGARTOWN – Officials from Edgartown along with the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a reported capsized vessel in the Eel Pond area off Edgartown late Thursday morning. According to reports. the overturned vessel and two occupants were located and pulled from the approximately 40 degree water after a search that also involved Tisbury and Oak Bluffs firefighters. The victims were rushed to Marthas Vineyard Hospital in critical condition.
On Friday, the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s office confirmed both individuals succumbed their injuries, adding that the preliminary investigation does not suggest foul play and it appears at this time that the weather played a role in this tragedy. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
From Cape & Islands District Attorney’s office: Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert J. Galibois announced today that on January 1, 2026 shortly after 11:00 AM, a 911 call was made requesting emergency response for two people who were reported to have been on board a boat that had capsized. Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Tisbury Fire/Rescue personnel, Edgartown Harbormaster and Shellfish department personnel, and the U.S. Coast Guard responded quickly to a location approximately 1/2 mile off the coast of Edgartown.
Upon arrival, first responders observed two individuals, identified as 69-year-old Patricia Bergeron of Edgartown, MA and 77-year-old Roy Scheffer of Edgartown, MA, in the water in the proximity of the overturned vessel. Both Ms. Bergeron and Mr. Scheffer were unresponsive and not breathing. Both individuals were transported to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital where extensive lifesaving efforts were performed. Ms. Bergeron and Mr. Scheffer were pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Through further investigation by the State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, it was learned that prior to the 911 call, a significant weather system suddenly came through Martha’s Vineyard that produced high winds and snow/sleet throughout the area. Reported abrupt worsening sea conditions also occurred at this time, which created sea swells of 6 feet and 20 knot winds. The boat was secured for the overnight and today investigators returned wherein they observed that the propeller was entangled by a polypropylene style line. Based on this initial information available, the incident appears to be a horrible accident with no signs of foul play. The investigation remains open.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones during this difficult time. Martha’s Vineyard has lost two pillars of their community which will be deeply felt.
