Fishing Vessel FISH-N-FOOL, D.N. 293888: Capsizing and Sinking on 5 February 1987 in the Pacific Ocean Approximately 2.6 Miles South of Isla de San Martin, Mexico with Multiple Loss of Life and Injuries to Passengers

摘要

At approximately 1300 on 5 February 1987, the Coast Guard-inspected small passenger vessel FISH-N-FOOL was struck on its starboard side by a large breaking swell near 'Ben's Rock', 2.6 miles south of Isla de San Martin, Mexico. The unexpected swell caused the vessel to broach and capsize. Of the three crew members and nine passengers on board, two survived, two drowned and the remaining eight are missing and presumed dead. One survivor managed to swim to Isla de San Martin and was rescued by local fisherman. The other survivor lashed four lifefloats from the sunken vessel together and activated an electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB). Coast Guard aircraft picked up the EPIRB signal and eventually located the survivor by following its signal. The Commandant has concurred with the Board that the cause of the casualty was the operator's positioning of the vessel in close proximity to, and down the swell line from, Ben's Rock, a charted navigational hazard. This report contains the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation Report and the Action taken by the Commandant to determine the proximate cause of the casualty and provide a response to the recommendations to prevent recurrence.