MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, Mass. — James Wolcott, 37, of Hamilton, Massachusetts, remains missing following a fatal boating incident off Manchester-by-the-Sea on October 3, 2026.
The Essex County District Attorney’s Office identified Wolcott as one of three men aboard a 30-foot recreational boat that encountered trouble near Singing Beach shortly before 4:30 p.m. Saturday. A dog was also aboard the vessel and was later rescued.
What Happened
The U.S. Coast Guard received a report of a vessel in distress and later located the boat. Officials said the vessel appeared to have struck rocks and lost control. The impact sent the passengers into the water.
Rescue crews recovered two men. Carl Potter, 67, of Beverly, was pronounced dead after being taken to Beverly Hospital. A third man, 65, was transported by medical helicopter to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he remained hospitalized. His name has not been released.
Search for James Wolcott
Wolcott was not located during the initial search. Coast Guard crews used aircraft and boats, while Massachusetts Environmental Police deployed side-scan sonar and dive teams. The Coast Guard later suspended its search, although Massachusetts State Police continued search efforts on October 5.
Authorities have not confirmed Wolcott’s death. His status remains missing, and the incident is under investigation.
The tragedy has left families and the North Shore community grieving as officials work to establish the full circumstances of the crash and account for Wolcott. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.