Newly released audio of a distress call made from the boat that carried Nolan Wells to Horn Island does not indicate any foul play, according to a retired FBI agent who reviewed the recording.

Nolan Wells, 18, disappeared on July 4 during a holiday boat trip to the barrier island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. His body was found two days later. Friends returned to the mainland without him, and questions have persisted about the circumstances of his disappearance.

Fox News Digital obtained the recording of a call placed to Sea Tow that evening. A person aboard the vessel reported that the bilge pump had stopped working and the boat was taking on water near the west tip of Horn Island. The caller said seven people were on board and asked for help to pump out the water and tow the boat back to the Fort Bayou launch in Ocean Springs.

“Hey, we’re at the west tip of Horn, and our bilge pump stopped working. We’re sinking. Can y’all please come?” the caller said. When asked if everyone was in good health, the response was that all were on board.

The dispatcher spoke with a captain who was already in contact with the boat’s owner. The captain ultimately reported that the teens said they did not need immediate help. Sea Tow did not tow the vessel.

Agent’s Assessment
Retired FBI agent Jonathan Gilliam told Fox News Digital the audio does not support theories of a cover-up or criminal activity.

“I don’t hear anything nefarious… it just sounded like there was a lot of stuff going on, that they were taking on water — not panic as much as this young person was trying to resolve a situation in a party atmosphere,” Gilliam said.

He noted that calling for commercial assistance would have risked drawing official attention, which undercuts the idea that anyone involved was trying to conceal wrongdoing.

Case Context
Authorities have said Wells chose to remain on the island rather than return with the group he arrived with. His mother was not informed he was missing until later that night. An independent autopsy commissioned by the family listed the cause and manner of death as undetermined pending further investigation. An official autopsy has not yet been completed.

The Jackson County investigation continues, and a reward remains available for information. The newly released Sea Tow audio adds detail about the mechanical problems the group faced as they prepared to leave the island, but according to the retired agent it does not alter the picture of foul play.

Main Sources: Fox News and comments from retired FBI agent Jonathan Gilliam.