The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 8 February 2021.
Sinking and loss of life
Unnamed fishing vessel
3 NM west-northwest of Sally’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador
The occurrence
On , an unregistered small fishing vessel with two persons on board was reported missing off Sally’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. The vessel had sunk and the search and rescue responders later recovered one crew member with minor injuries and one deceased.
Media materials
News releases
Investigation report: July 2020 sinking and loss of life aboard a small fishing vessel near Sally’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador
Read the news release
Investigation information
M20A0258
Sinking and loss of life
Unnamed fishing vessel
3 NM west-northwest of Sally’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador
Investigator-in-charge
François Dumont has been an investigator with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada since 2013. Before joining the TSB, Mr. Dumont sailed for 12 years in the merchant navy aboard bulk carriers, tankers, tugs, general cargo ships and icebreakers. He also was a Marine Safety Inspector with Transport Canada for three years. Mr. Dumont holds a diploma from the Institut Maritime du Québec in Marine Mechanical Engineering Techniques, a First Class Marine Engineer’s Certificate for motor vessels, and a Fourth Class Marine Engineer’s Certificate for steam vessels.
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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.