Man tragically lost his friend when boat capsized—he used a detergent bottle to stay alive until his rescue
Sometimes saving yourself means using the most bizarre and unexpected methods and alternatives. With no time at hand and the intensity of danger increasing, saving yourself becomes more important than how you do it. Frank Hennigan Jr. and Taylor Flannery planned a boat trip from Florida to Cape May Harbor, NBC News revealed. Unfortunately, their 50-foot boat capsized and took the life of Hennigan, a husband and dad as well as captain of the boat, at the time. While it was still a long time before Flannery could ascertain if help would arrive, he used an unconventional method that helped him stay alive.
The duo was about halfway into their trip when the boat capsized. They weren't wearing life jackets and were thrown into the water. With the chaotic scenario and despite trying their best to stay afloat, Hennigan didn’t make it. His wife, Mary Hennigan, honored him by sharing how the waters were his passion. "That was all he wanted to do — be on the water. From the day I met him, he loved everything about boats and fishing. Our son’s name is Fisher. He has driven boats all over the world. There is not a person, as far as I’m concerned, that’s more qualified than him to be driving a boat,” she said.
With his friend and sole comfort gone, Flannery had to deal with the waters himself. It was still a while before help could arrive and the man had to come up with a temporary plan to stay afloat. That’s when he decided to use one of the most unexpected items — a detergent bottle. Flannery smartly emptied all its contents and was able to stay afloat until the U.S Coast Guard spotted and rescued him, a report from Outer Banks Insider noted. It was around 30 minutes after a heavy search that the guards spotted the man. Had it not been for Flannery’s quick thinking and action, there’s no saying what the outcome might have been.
Sergeant Anna Barbosa of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission explained, “He took that detergent bottle, emptied it and then tucked it underneath his shirt to stay afloat until eventually he did come across the life jacket.” Hennigan was unfortunately “located shortly afterward, unresponsive and was pronounced deceased.” Commending his actions at the spur of the moment, Barbosa said, “He saved his own life. She added that it was “just a remarkable story of survival.” Flannery’s neighbor, Septhanie Lee, also noted how crucial his action became for determining his outcome. "I think it’s amazing that he had the wherewithal in that terrible, traumatic moment to think of the best way to survive," she said.
It’s a shattering loss to Hennigan’s family and to Flannery, who lost a good friend. He is recovering but is still distraught from the incident. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Mary and her family with funeral service expenses and other requirements. So far, the family is very close to reaching their goal and has received a donation of $210,041. The captain’s funeral service was held on October 28, 2025.
More on Amplify
Stranger tries to kidnap a boy by luring him on a boat—parasail staff manages to foil his attempt