BOSTON- The Coast Guard is pursuing new leads in its investigation of what caused the fishing vessel Patriot to sink near Gloucester, Mass., early Saturday morning, claiming the lives of both men on board.
Based on information from the on-going marine casualty investigation, the Coast Guard is interviewing the crew of a vessel that may have been in the vicinity of the Patriot’s last known position at the approximate time of the casualty to determine if the crew has any information to help explain what happened to the 54-foot stern trawler.
“We want to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Russo and Mr. Orlando,” said Capt. Gail Kulisch, commander of Sector Boston. “Our investigators are thoroughly examining all the evidence as it becomes available in hopes of finding out what caused the Patriot to go down.”
The Coast Guard is also conducting a case study of all aspects of its response to this case, as is standard procedure for all search and rescue cases involving the loss of life or a vessel sinking.
“Search and rescue is at the heart of our core values,” said Kulisch. “In a never-ending pursuit to improve our response to mariners in distress, the Coast Guard frequently conducts this type of review to ensure protocols were observed, procedures were followed, and standards for response were met.”
