Sophie Langley
Recently released audio recordings reveal friends of Nolan Xavier Wells desperately calling for assistance after their boat reportedly experienced a malfunction while at Horn Island. GPS data detailing the boat’s movements on July 4 has been made available.
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Audio Recording Exposes Friends of Nolan Wells Seeking Help After Boat Malfunction
On Wednesday, July 15, NBC News published a report featuring audio of Nolan Wells’ friends calling for help. This call was made as they faced an emergency situation where “their boat was taking on water” while located at Horn Island on July 4. The malfunction reportedly began around 4 p.m. In the audio, a dispatcher inquired about the well-being of everyone aboard the vessel.
“Yes, yes, everyone is on board,” the caller reportedly replied, confirming a total of 7 people present.
According to the New York Post, the boat’s operator informed the dispatcher, “Hey, we’re at the west tip of Horn. Our bilge pump has stopped working. We’re sinking. Please send help. I need the boat to be towed back.”
🚨Reports indicate that audio obtained through records requests reveals members of the group Nolan was with asking for towing help as their boat began taking on water.
NBC News acquired the audio as part of records requests, documenting the situation involving Nolan Wells’ friends… pic.twitter.com/zmTbrZi9kd
— Amy Leigh (@IAmyLeigh) July 16, 2026
Public Reaction on Social Media to the Audio of Nolan Wells’ Friends
Users on social media shared their thoughts on the newly released audio of Nolan Wells’ friends reporting the boat malfunction in the comments section of NBC News.
Instagram user @hippy.lynne commented, “‘Is everybody on board *in good health otherwise*?’ ‘Yes, everyone is on board.’ Already trying to shape the narrative. 🙄”
Another Instagram user, @luckypky shared, “The way they keep attempting to convince everyone that no crime occurred here makes one question if a crime was indeed committed.”
Instagram user @shannondatsmee remarked, “So they could dispatch for a sinking boat but not for a potential drowning?”
Instagram user @pretty_bl3ssing expressed, “Where’s the rest of the audio? What’s your name? How many people were on the boat? What’s the water level? I’m just saying, when you call 911, they ask a million questions, so I know there’s more audio than this.”
User @tdpalm questioned, “I’m confused… if his mom didn’t find out he was missing until 11 p.m., was he supposed to stay at his friend’s house again? And if so, how was he planning to get there without them? Was the girl meant to take him? Didn’t the friends’ parents wonder why he didn’t return from their “sleepover”?”
Instagram user @curlygirlcooks commented, “I need to see what the independent autopsy reveals…”
Instagram user @1hotshon stated, “I’m praying that the investigation provides the family with all the answers they seek! A thorough and fair investigation is essential in this suspicious and unexpected loss of life. Every detail must be examined.”
Detailed GPS Data Released Alongside Audio of Friends Requesting Assistance
The New York Post reports that the boat was “towed for approximately three miles before it resumed normal speed less than an hour later.” WLOX has obtained GPS data from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, outlining the boat’s journey.
The boat departed from a private dock on July 4 at 9:56 a.m., arriving at Horn Island by 11:14 a.m. It left the island at 4:31 p.m., entered Fort Bayou at 5:52 p.m., and ultimately returned to the dock by 6:06 p.m.
At around 7:19 p.m., the boat was taken to the Fort Bayou boat launch, removed from the water, and transported to the owner’s residence. The boat’s owner, his mother, and another unidentified individual have been cooperating with the authorities.
At this point, it remains uncertain whether the owner and his mother are Warren Hudson and Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole. As reported earlier this month by The Shade Room, Cole claimed on Facebook that her son last saw Nolan Wells around 3 p.m. on July 4.
“Warren was interviewed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and fully cooperated. He last saw Nolan around 3 p.m. on July 4. They left around 4:30 p.m. when the boat was taking on water and had issues with the bilge pump. Nolan decided to stay on the island and return later with another group of friends,” she posted online at that time.
This statement sparked controversy, as social media users and even Wells’ parents disputed the claim that he would choose to remain on the island.
RELATED: UPDATE: Nolan Xavier Wells’ Mother Shares Heartfelt Tribute as Funeral Arrangements Are Announced (PHOTO + VIDEO)
What Are Your Thoughts, Roomies?
Troy Sanders
