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2 people dead after being pulled from water off of Martha’s Vineyard

Authorities say the weather was to blame after a boat capsized near Edgartown Thursday, killing two.

updated on January 2, 2026

2 minutes to read

Two people are dead after they were pulled from the water off of Martha’s Vineyard Thursday, officials confirmed.

Edgartown Fire Chief Alexander Schaeffer said emergency crews responded to a report of a capsized boat off of Cow Bay around 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day and found two people in the water, later identified as Edgartown residents Patricia Bergeron, 69, and Roy Scheffer, 77.

The Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office said the pair were found unresponsive and not breathing in the vicinity of the overturned vessel, about half a mile from shore.

They were rushed to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital in critical condition, according to officials. Yet despite “extensive lifesaving efforts,” Bergeron and Scheffer were pronounced dead at the hospital.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” said Schaeffer, the fire chief.

The DA’s office explained that a “significant weather system” suddenly swept through Martha’s Vineyard just before the 911 call Thursday, bringing high winds, snow, and sleet. Sea conditions also worsened, creating six-foot swells, the office noted.

“The boat was secured for the overnight and today investigators returned wherein they observed that the propeller was entangled by a polypropylene style line,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “Based on this initial information available, the incident appears to be a horrible accident with no signs of foul play.”

An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

“Our thoughts and heartful condolences are with the families and loved ones during this difficult time,” the DA’s office said. “Martha’s Vineyard has lost two pillars of their community which will be deeply felt.”

According to The Martha’s Vineyard Times, Bergeron and Scheffer were married, and Bergeron was a longtime fisherman and boat captain who went by the nickname “Royster.” Bergeron, meanwhile, was a retired emergency room coordinator who spent decades at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

In a statement, the hospital said it was “deeply saddened” to share the news of her death, adding, “This loss is felt profoundly by all who had the privilege of working alongside Tricia.”

“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of Tricia and Roy and to the many colleagues and friends who are grieving,” said hospital President and COO Claire Seguin. “We are committed to supporting the family and our staff during this difficult time.”