Rescue operation and subsequent loss of life
Fishing vessel Mucktown Girl and
Canadian Coast Guard ship Jean Goodwill
87.5 nautical miles southeast of Canso, Nova Scotia
The occurrence
On 11 March 2022 a little before midnight Atlantic Standard Time), the halibut fishing vessel Mucktown Girl, with 5 people on board, reported being disabled due to electrical problems 87.5 NM southeast of Canso, Nova Scotia. The Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Jean Goodwill arrived shortly after 0900 on 12 March to assist. At 1555 the same day, while the Mucktown Girl was under tow by CCGS Jean Goodwill, the towline broke free. The CCGS Jean Goodwill stood by for several hours awaiting improved weather conditions to re-establish the tow.
The next morning, 13 March, the crew of the Mucktown Girl reported they were taking on water and were preparing to abandon into a life raft wearing their immersion suits. Four of the crew members from the Mucktown Girl were rescued by the CCGS Jean Goodwill. Later that day, the body of the 5th crew member was recovered. The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
M22A0052
Rescue operation and subsequent loss of life
Fishing vessel Mucktown Girl and
Canadian Coast Guard ship Jean Goodwill
87.5 nautical miles southeast of Canso, Nova Scotia
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 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.