Search Continues for Fisherman from New Bedford's Yankee Rose

Coast Guard launches extensive search and rescue operation after fishing vessel sinks off Provincetown

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Coast Guard is continuing to search for a missing fisherman from the Yankee Rose, a commercial fishing vessel that sank off the coast of Provincetown, Massachusetts on Thursday, March 5th. One person was recovered from the water unconscious, but could not be revived. The Yankee Rose, which was based out of New Bedford, had been fishing out of Provincetown as a winter transient.

Why it matters

The sinking of the Yankee Rose is a tragic event that highlights the inherent dangers faced by commercial fishermen working on the open waters. New Bedford is known as America's preeminent commercial fishing port, and the loss of one of its vessels is deeply felt by the local fishing community and the broader region.

The details

The Coast Guard received a report of a capsized vessel at 11:58 a.m. on March 5th, later identified as the F/V Yankee Rose which had two people on board. The Coast Guard launched search and rescue operations, including an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, a HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft, and response boats from Station Provincetown and Cape Cod Canal. The Massachusetts Environmental Police recovered one person from the water at approximately 12:27 p.m., but the individual could not be revived. At approximately 3:48 p.m., the Coast Guard helicopter crew confirmed that the Yankee Rose had sunk with an adjacent debris field.

  • The Coast Guard received a report of a capsized vessel at 11:58 a.m. on March 5th.
  • The Massachusetts Environmental Police recovered one person from the water at approximately 12:27 p.m. on March 5th.
  • At approximately 3:48 p.m. on March 5th, the Coast Guard helicopter crew confirmed that the Yankee Rose had sunk with an adjacent debris field.

The players

Yankee Rose

A commercial fishing vessel based out of New Bedford, Massachusetts that was fishing out of Provincetown as a winter transient.

U.S. Coast Guard

The federal agency responsible for maritime safety and security, which launched an extensive search and rescue operation in response to the sinking of the Yankee Rose.

Massachusetts Environmental Police

A state law enforcement agency that assisted in the search and recovery efforts.

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What they’re saying

“Our thoughts are with the families of the crew of the F/V Yankee Rose and the local fishing community. Coast Guard crews are continuing to search the area, and we remain committed to doing everything possible to locate the missing mariner.”

— Cmdr. Thomas Wieland, Sector SENE Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator

“I'm heartbroken by the news that the fishing vessel Yankee Rose was found capsized, and my prayers are with the loved ones of the crew, first responders and our entire fishing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

— Gov. Maura Healey

“While the details are still emerging, our thoughts are with the crew of the Yankee Rose and their families. We in New Bedford, America's preeminent commercial fishing port, stand ready to support them in the wake of this tragedy.”

— Mayor Jon Mitchell

What’s next

The Coast Guard and local authorities will continue their search and recovery efforts to locate the missing fisherman from the Yankee Rose.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks and dangers faced by commercial fishermen who make their living on the open waters. The loss of the Yankee Rose and its crew has deeply impacted the tight-knit fishing community of New Bedford and the broader region, underscoring the need for continued safety measures and support for those whose livelihoods depend on the sea.