Loss of F/V Patriot apparently due to loss of stability

Captains

Two Gloucester MA fishermen died last year when the F/V Patriot suddenly sank about 14 miles southeast of their homeport. After an extensive USCG marine casualty investigation, involving underwater surveys, analysis of novel acoustic information, and detailed hydrostatic calculations, it appears loss of stability is once again the culprit. This was a tragic loss for the families and professional fishermen of Gloucester.

RADM W

Stability problem on boat caused fatal sinking, Coast Guard says

By Travis Andersen

Globe Staff / September 18, 2010

The US Coast Guard has determined that the sinking of the Patriot, a 54-foot fishing vessel whose two crewmen died when it went down off the coast of Gloucester in January 2009, was caused by a sudden loss of stability that capsized the boat.

The vessel sank so quickly that the two men on board, Matteo Russo, 36, and his father-in-law, John Orlando, 58, could not retrieve any lifesaving devices, Coast Guard Captain John Healey said last night during a news conference.

He said the Coast Guard would not speculate on what exactly caused the Patriot to lose stability but noted that the men were short one crew member when the boat sank about 14 miles southeast of Gloucester, which may have caused additional problems when the trouble started.

Healey added that the Coast Guard had ruled out a possible fire on board the vessel as well as a collision. The hull was not charred or damaged in any way that would suggest either occurrence, Healey said.

He said recommendations following the report on the cause of the sinking include requiring stability tests for fishing vessels under 79 feet long and ensuring that beacon devices that sound when ships are sinking are properly installed.

The beacon device on the Patriot did not go off during the sinking, Healey said, adding that the boat was “very well maintained’’ and the men were “professional fishermen’’ who knew how to protect themselves.

Healey said underwater acoustic equipment in the area captured a series of “loud bangs’’ coming from the Patriot shortly before the sinking, which could indicate stability problems due to flooding.