Coast Guard issues update, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issues statement, after Bristol County fishing vessel found capsized

A New Bedford based fishing vessel was found capsized off the coast of Provincetown on Thursday morning.

According to the Coast Guard, at 11:58 a.m., Sector SENE received a report of a capsized vessel from two Good Samaritans who confirmed it was a Fishing Vessel named the Yankee Rose.

Further investigation revealed that there were two fishermen on the vessel earlier this morning.

The Coast Guard dispatched multiple assets and is currently 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.

At approximately 3:48 p.m., the Coast Guard helicopter crew confirmed that the F/V Yankee Rose sank with an adjacent debris field.

“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 SENE 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.”

The Coast Guard is continuing search efforts for the second crewmember.

Governor Maura Healey released the following statement: 

“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. 

“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 to make recent headlines involving the Yankee Rose.

On February 27th, the vessel had a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning incident while docked in Provincetown Harbor at Macmillan Pier.

Two unconscious crew members were rescued and transported to Cape Cod Hospital as high-priority patients.

Six first responders, including police, EMTs, and the harbormaster, also experienced symptoms like lightheadedness and were hospitalized but released the next day.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause, which involved high CO levels detected on board, leading to a mass casualty declaration due to the number of affected individuals.