PROVINCETOWN MASSACHUSETTS, A man who was aboard a New Bedford-based fishing vessel that capsized off the coast of Provincetown on Thursday morning is being remembered by loved ones.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, at 11:58 a.m. Sector Southeastern New England received a report from two Good Samaritans about a capsized fishing vessel identified as the Yankee Rose.
Further investigation revealed that two fishermen had been aboard the vessel earlier that morning.
The Coast Guard dispatched multiple assets to the area and has been working with Massachusetts Environmental Police and local responders from Provincetown.
At approximately 12:27 p.m., Massachusetts Environmental Police recovered a person from the water.
Later, at approximately 3:48 p.m., a Coast Guard helicopter crew confirmed that the fishing vessel Yankee Rose had sunk and that a debris field was visible in the surrounding area.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the crew of the F/V Yankee Rose and the local fishing community,” said Cmdr. Thomas Wieland, Sector Southeastern New England Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator. “Coast Guard crews are continuing to search the area, and we remain committed to doing everything possible to locate the missing mariner.”
Authorities said the search remains ongoing for the second crewmember.
One of the men aboard the vessel was identified as Angel Luis Nieves. His partner told Fall River Reporter that he was a caring person who had a deep love for the ocean and his family.
“He loved the ocean, it was his passion. But more than that, he loved God and his four children. He worked so hard every day for his family. He had such a good heart. He would have given the shirt off his back for anyone. He was the type of friend you always wanted to have in your corner. We are extremely devastated by his loss and will never stop honoring him. His soul is now at rest,” she said.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also released a statement following news of the capsized vessel.
“I’m heartbroken by the news that the fishing vessel Yankee Rose was found capsized, and my prayers are with the loved ones of the crew, first responders and our entire fishing community during this incredibly difficult time,” Healey said.
“This is another devastating reminder of the dangers that come with life at sea and another tragedy for Massachusetts’ fishing industry and the families who make their living on the water, especially so soon after the loss of the Lily Jean in Gloucester. Fishing has defined the identity of coastal communities across the northeast for generations, bringing both the pride and the heartbreak that come with this work. Every time a vessel leaves the harbor, families understand the risks that come with this work, and moments like this are felt deeply across the entire industry.
“I’m grateful to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Massachusetts Environmental Police and all local first responders who jumped into action and continue their search efforts. We are keeping everyone involved in our thoughts and continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The incident is the second recent event involving the Yankee Rose.
On February 27, the vessel experienced a suspected carbon monoxide exposure incident while docked at MacMillan Pier in Provincetown Harbor.
Two unconscious crew members were rescued and transported to Cape Cod Hospital as high-priority patients.
Six first responders, including police officers, EMTs, and the harbormaster, also experienced symptoms such as lightheadedness and were hospitalized but released the following day.
The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident, which involved high carbon monoxide levels detected on board and resulted in a mass casualty declaration due to the number of affected individuals.
