Lost at Sea: The Unresolved Disappearance of Dennis Smalling Jr. and the Queen Anne’s Revenge

A Life Anchored in the Sea

Dennis Raymond Smalling Jr. was born on May 28, 1984, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. From a young age, he was drawn to the ocean, a passion that would define much of his life. A graduate of Point Pleasant Boro High School's class of 2003, Dennis was known for his athleticism, participating in football, soccer, and baseball. Beyond sports, he had a deep appreciation for surfing, skateboarding, and collecting baseball cards. His love for classic cars led him to become an autobody technician, but the call of the sea eventually steered him toward a career in commercial fishing. Dennis's two great loves were his daughter, Audrey, and the ocean. 

The Fateful Voyage

On February 7, 2018, Dennis embarked on a commercial fishing trip aboard the 46-foot vessel Queen Anne's Revenge, captained by his friend Paul Matos. The boat set out from Point Pleasant, aiming for a multi-day fishing expedition. In the early hours of February 8, at approximately 1:20 a.m., an emergency alert was sent from the vessel, indicating distress about 40 miles off the coast of Barnegat Inlet. This was the last known communication from the boat. ...Read More

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