Local News
The bodies of two people were found onboard, authorities said.
Wreckage of a fishing boat that was reported missing off Cape Cod earlier this week was discovered Wednesday afternoon, submerged off the coast of Eastham with two bodies onboard, the Coast Guard announced.
The Seahorse, a white 30-foot fishing boat, was reported as overdue for return by the Orleans harbormaster on Tuesday. Typically, the boat and its captain, Shawn Arsenault, fished in the area near Billingsgate Shoals and returned the same day, according to the Coast Guard.
The Orleans harbormaster became concerned after seeing the boat owner’s truck at the marina two days after its departure. A cell phone ping last placed the vessel about two miles offshore Chatham.
Multiple agencies and members of the fishing community participated in a search of Cape Cod Bay, shorelines, marinas, and fishing piers for the boat.
According to the Coast Guard, a recreational fisherman discovered the Seahorse while trolling near the search area on Wednesday afternoon.
“Divers from the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and Massachusetts State Police identified the vessel,” the Coast Guard said. “Both individuals were found onboard, and next of kin were notified.”
“Our hearts go out to the families of both persons onboard,” Coast Guard Commander Cliff Graham, search and rescue mission coordinator for the case, said in a statement. “The level of support from our maritime response partners and members from the fishing and local community was remarkable. It directly contributed to detection of the vessel and closure for the family.”
The investigation into why the vessel sank remains ongoing.
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