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Shifting haul of fish blamed in 2008 sinking

E-mail|Link|Comments () November 20, 2009 07:30 PM

Coast Guard

The Costa & Corvo in port in 2007

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

A New Bedford-based fishing boat capsized and sank last year because it became unstable when a full fishing net was being lowered onto the deck, the Coast Guard said in a report released today.

The 71-foot dragger Costa & Corvo sank about 118 miles east of Nantucket on Georges Bank on Nov. 13, 2008. The captain, Antonio Mesquita, of New Bedford, was never found, but three crewmembers were rescued by a nearby fishing boat.

"Our condolences go out to the family of Mr. Mesquita, who lost his life in this tragedy," Captain Ray Perry, the comander of Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, said in a statement.

The investigation found that the probable cause of the sinking was a "sudden and dramatic decrease in stability" that began when a net loaded with fish abruptly shifted to port as it was lowered to the deck at the stern of the boat.

The boat was moving ahead at 2 to 3 knots and the captain had joined the crew on deck, the report said.

When the net shifted, the boat listed to port, causing a trawl door -- part of the fishing gear -- that was loosely secured to a railing to submerge and deflect sea water onto the deck, while also exacerbating the tilt to port. The pilothouse and engine room doors were open to the water that came pouring on the deck.

With the boat's autopilot not working and the captain on deck, there was no way for the boat to compensate with a course change or by reducing its speed, the Coast Guard report said.

"The vessel exceeded its righting capabilities, continued to roll to port, and finally capsized," the report said.

"We hope the results of this investigation raise awareness of what can cause a vessel to become dangerously unstable and help improve the safety of our fishing community," said Perry.