Two Brothers from Stoughton Drown After Tragic Rescue Attempt Off Rhode Island Coast

A weekend fishing trip turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after two brothers from Stoughton, Massachusetts, drowned off the coast of Little Compton, Rhode Island, in an apparent rescue attempt gone wrong. The victims were identified as Aldino Centeio, 27, and Valdir Centeio, 31, both of whom were pronounced dead after their bodies were recovered from the water on Sunday morning.

The incident began around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, when the brothers were reportedly fishing at Warren Beach, near the Warren's Point Beach Club on Atlantic Drive. According to police, one of the brothers fell into the water, prompting the other to leap in after him in an effort to save his sibling.

A third man, who had also been fishing with them, jumped into the ocean to assist. He was rescued shortly afterward by lifeguards and survived. His identity has not been released.

Witnesses described the terrifying moments that followed. One bystander, standing nearby on the rocky shore, said he saw a man "crying and waving his arms," clearly in distress as he signaled for help. The chaotic scene prompted an immediate response from local authorities and federal agencies.

Multiple rescue crews, including the U.S. Coast Guard, local police, fire departments, and lifeguards, initiated an extensive search throughout the day on Saturday. Family members of the victims were present, watching anxiously as crews combed the water and surrounding rocks.

The Little Compton Fire Department later expressed gratitude to the Warren’s Point Beach Club and first responders from neighboring towns who aided in the search and rescue efforts. Despite exhaustive efforts, the search was temporarily suspended overnight as darkness and rough conditions hindered visibility.

On Sunday morning, search operations resumed, and by 11:15 a.m., authorities located the brothers’ bodies not far from where they were last seen. Police confirmed both had drowned.

Little Compton, a quiet coastal town roughly 45 minutes from Newport, is known for its rocky shoreline and scenic beaches. Stoughton, the brothers’ hometown, lies just over an hour away by car.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through both communities, as friends and family grieve the loss of two young lives marked by an act of love and bravery. The brothers’ bond, evident in their final moments, has resonated deeply with those who heard their story.