The sinking marks the second fatal commercial fishing accident off Massachusetts in just over a month, following the loss of the Lily Jean off Gloucester on Jan. 30 that killed all seven aboard — a back-to-back toll on a state with deep ties to the fishing industry.
PROVINCETOWN, Mass. — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for survivors Friday afternoon after the commercial fishing vessel Yankee Rose sank off Cape Cod, killing both people aboard.
Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England received a notification just before noon Thursday that the Yankee Rose was overturned about 3 nautical miles — 3.5 miles — northeast of Race Point in Provincetown. Coast Guard crews arrived on the scene along with local agencies minutes later.
One person was recovered from the boat but later died, Alex Morse, the town manager of Provincetown, said Friday. The search for the second person was suspended Friday afternoon after 21 hours.
“We express our deepest condolences for the family and loved ones,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
Second fatal accident in Massachusetts waters in five weeks
The sinking comes just over a month after the 72-foot Lily Jean went down off the historic fishing port of Gloucester, killing all seven aboard. That vessel was returning to port early Jan. 30 to repair fishing gear when it sank in frigid Atlantic waters.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the two losses weighed heavily on the state’s fishing communities.
“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 in a statement.
“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,” she added.
Morse wrote on Facebook that he was “deeply saddened” by the vessel’s loss.
“Provincetown has a long and proud maritime history, and fishing has always been a central part of our community’s identity,” he wrote. “The fishing community is a close-knit one, where the dangers of the sea are well understood and deeply respected. We know the loss of these fellow fishermen will no doubt be deeply felt by many here who share that bond.”
Prior incident aboard the vessel
The Yankee Rose had been the site of a separate incident less than two weeks before it sank. On Feb. 26, Provincetown police and firefighters responded to a report of an unresponsive person aboard and found two people passed out due to what appeared to be carbon monoxide exposure, Boston radio station WBUR reported. Eight people in all — including five emergency responders and a harbormaster — were sent to a hospital for evaluation. All eight were discharged by the following day, according to Provincetown Police.
Morse said he did not believe the March 5 sinking was connected to the earlier carbon monoxide incident and referred further questions to the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office. A spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Provincetown sits at the tip of Cape Cod, about 115 miles from Boston and 150 miles from Gloucester by car.