The Martha's Vineyard Times

Menemsha boy's cherished boat missing

November 7, 2012

Photo by Katie Carroll

Brooks Carroll exploring the backwaters of Menemsha Creek.

Chilmark police and a very sad nine-year-old boy are asking for help from the public in recovering a missing dinghy.

Just before Hurricane Sandy spun by Martha's Vineyard, Marshall Carroll, owner of Menemsha Texaco, hauled his son Brooks's cherished rowing dinghy up on the beach. When he went back later to load the dinghy into his truck, it was gone.

Brooks Carroll and his dinghy are a familiar sight in Menemsha and have been featured on post cards and in local publications.

"He's a little bummed out," said Katie Carroll, Brooks's mom. "Anybody who has been in Menemsha has seen him rowing, either in the harbor or down the creek, having a grand time. I'm hoping it was some good Samaritan that didn't want to see it get washed away in the storm, and is going to put it back."

Chilmark police chief Brian Cioffi described the boat as a small, white, fiberglass rowing dinghy with a single seat. The word "Hauler" is printed on the side.

"We're looking for the return of the dinghy," Chief Cioffi said. "If it shows up at the police department, there will be no questions asked."