2 Die After Boat Capsizes On Martha’s Vineyard

Two well-known residents of Martha’s Vineyard died after their boat capsized on New Year’s Day.

Roy Scheffer, 77, and Patricia Bergeron, 69, both of Edgartown, were both pronounced dead on Thursday, January 1 after first responders found them in the water near the overturned boat.

Rescue personnel received a 911 call shortly after 11 a.m. on January 1 requesting help for two people who were onboard a boat that had capsized.

Personnel from fire departments in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Tisbury, along with Coast Guard crews and members of the Edgartown Harbormaster and Shellfish Department responded to the scene. The boat was located roughly a half-mile off the coast of Edgartown.

Upon arrival, first responders discovered Bergeron and Scheffer in the water. Both were reportedly unresponsive and not breathing.

They were taken to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital where extensive lifesaving efforts were performed before both were pronounced dead.

According to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office, shortly before the 911 call a significant weather system suddenly came through the area producing high winds, snow, and sleet. It also created dangerous sea conditions, with swells of six feet and winds of 20 knots.

Investigators also discovered the propeller was entangled by a polypropylene style line.

According to the district attorney’s office, the incident appears to be an accident with no signs of foul play.

Both Scheffer and Bergeron were well known on the island. Scheffer was a long-time fisherman and also started an oyster farm. Bergeron was a retired emergency room coordinator and a former president of the local Portuguese-American Club.