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Submerged Fishing Vessel Located, Human Remains Identified

World Data Ocean confirms the location of a fishing vessel that sank off Rhode Island in 2019, with human remains identified.

September 24, 20265 min readMarine Insight

Submerged Fishing Vessel Located, Human Remains Identified — Image for representation purposes only

Our take

The recent discovery of the fishing vessel *Kathleen Ann*, lost off the coast of Rhode Island in 2019, and the recovery of human remains represents a somber culmination of a long and arduous search. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who work in maritime industries, risks amplified by increasingly complex and often unpredictable ocean conditions. The recovery itself is a testament to advances in underwater search technology, though the circumstances underscore the ongoing need for improved safety measures and enhanced vessel tracking capabilities. Related efforts to bolster maritime infrastructure, such as the U.S. Coast Guard's investment in [Alaska’s Base Kodiak to Gain Enhanced Arctic Capabilities with New Pier], highlight a growing recognition of the need for robust support systems across various maritime operating environments. Furthermore, the ongoing search and recovery efforts following the *KM Virgo Transport 8* sinking [Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs Following KM Virgo Transport 8 Sinking] demonstrate the persistent challenges in locating and recovering victims from maritime disasters, particularly in complex oceanographic settings.

The *Kathleen Ann* incident, and similar events globally, highlight the critical interplay between human activity and the marine environment. While advancements in renewable energy, such as the inauguration of the [He Dreiht Wind Farm Powers German Grid, Boosting Renewable Capacity], are vital for mitigating climate change and its impacts on the oceans, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these activities also present potential risks to maritime safety. The vessel’s disappearance occurred during a severe storm, underscoring the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to a changing climate. These conditions, combined with the inherent dangers of seafaring, necessitate a comprehensive approach to maritime safety that incorporates advanced forecasting, robust vessel design, and rigorous training protocols for maritime personnel. The empirical data collected from such events, though tragic, contribute to a more complete understanding of ocean dynamics and inform strategies for mitigating future risks.

Beyond the immediate human cost, the recovery of the *Kathleen Ann* provides an opportunity for further scientific investigation. The condition of the vessel and its contents can offer valuable insights into the forces at play during the sinking, potentially refining our understanding of wave dynamics, hull integrity under stress, and the impact of extreme weather on maritime infrastructure. Such longitudinal data, gathered through careful analysis of recovered materials and corroborated by real-time oceanographic measurements, are essential for calibrating predictive models and improving safety protocols. The integrated data ecosystem necessary for such analysis underscores the need for collaboration between maritime authorities, research institutions, and technological innovators. Peer-reviewed research stemming from these investigations can inform policy decisions and contribute to a safer and more sustainable maritime future.

The discovery and recovery of the *Kathleen Ann* and the identification of human remains mark a poignant end to a difficult chapter. However, it also serves as a call to action – a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard those who work at sea and to continually strive for improved ocean intelligence. As we continue to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and resource utilization, a crucial question remains: how can we balance the pursuit of innovation with a steadfast commitment to maritime safety and the well-being of those who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods?

A fishing boat that sank off Rhode Island on New Year’s Day 2019 has finally been located, along with human remains of one of the fishermen who died when the vessel sank.

The wreck of the M/V Mistress was found by Green Ocean, a non-profit whose work is targeted at ocean preservation. The 52-foot vessel had sent a distress signal after midnight on January 1, 2019, when it met rough weather and began taking on water.

There were three people onboard, including Captain Oscar Diaz, his son Tim and nephew John Ansay. A nearby ship responded, came to the rescue, and found Tim. The other two men could not be found, nor could the fishing vessel’s wreck until now.

Coast Guard covered an area covering 2150 nautical miles and even opened an investigation, but they did not succeed.

Green Oceans has requested the U.S. Department of the Interior to reopen the investigation and also consider the role of the Block Island Wind Farm in the failure to rescue the other two fishermen.

The wreck of the fishing vessel was found close to a turbine of the wind farm, which is an offshore facility in the United States. It has been operational since 2016 and produces electricity for 17,000 houses.

The non-profit which sponsored an investigation to locate the wreck of the fishing vessel said that a sonar scan revealed its position in July, and divers went to the site to confirm if it was indeed the M/V Mistress.

The features documented in official files matched what they saw, and hence, after elaborate comparison, they concluded it was the same vessel they had been searching for.

Michael Lombardi, the President of Green Oceans, said that the discovery would provide closure to the deceased fishermen’s families.

He added that all their findings have been sent to the authorities and the organisation has requested the federal government to secure the wreck site to undertake forensic analysis as soon as possible.

Lombardi said that according to the Coast Guard report, the other two fishermen could not be saved due to rough weather, which forced a search and rescue helicopter to return mid-operation.

Read the original at Marine Insight