This investigation has been completed. The report was released on 25 January 2019
Vessel grounding and subsequent fatality
Fishing vessel Fisherman’s Provider II
Canso, Nova Scotia
The occurrence
On 6 February 2018, the fishing vessel Fisherman's Provider II, with four people on board, grounded on Frying Pan Shoal while transiting the Canso harbor, Nova Scotia. Three crewmembers were rescued by the Canadian Coast Guard auxiliary vessel Miss Lexi. The master perished after refusing to abandon the vessel.
No pollution was reported.
News release
Investigation report: February 2018 grounding of Fisherman's Provider II in Canso Harbour, Nova Scotia
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB has deployed a team to Sydney, Nova Scotia, following the grounding of the fishing vessel Fisherman's Provider II
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 8 February 2018 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has deployed a team of investigators to Sydney, Nova Scotia, following the grounding of the fishing vessel Fisherman's Provider II. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M18A0002
Vessel grounding and subsequent fatality
Fishing vessel Fisherman’s Provider II
Canso, Nova Scotia
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.