1 Crew Member Identified In Sinking Of MA Fishing Boat

Search for second fisherman aboard the Yankee Rose called off

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

A crew member who died when the fishing vessel Yankee Rose capsized and sank off the coast of Massachusetts has been identified as Angel Nieves, 37, of New Bedford. Rescue personnel pulled Nieves from the water, but he could not be resuscitated. The search for a second man aboard the vessel was suspended on Friday, with his name not yet publicly released.

Why it matters

Fishing is a dangerous occupation, and incidents like the sinking of the Yankee Rose highlight the risks that fishermen face. The loss of life is tragic, and the community is coming together to support the victims' families.

The details

The Yankee Rose, a fishing boat based in New Bedford, capsized and sank mid-afternoon on Thursday about 3 miles off Race Point. Rescue personnel were able to pull Angel Nieves from the water, but he could not be revived. The search for a second crew member was called off on Friday, with his identity not yet released.

  • The Yankee Rose sank on Thursday afternoon.
  • Rescue personnel pulled Angel Nieves from the water at 12:27 p.m. on Thursday, but he could not be resuscitated.
  • The search for the second crew member was suspended on Friday afternoon.

The players

Angel Nieves

A 37-year-old crew member from New Bedford who died when the Yankee Rose capsized and sank.

Robert Galibois

The Cape & Islands District Attorney who released a statement about the incident.

Makayla Nieves

The sister of Angel Nieves who started a crowdsourcing campaign to honor him.

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What they’re saying

“a devoted family man who deeply loved God, his four children, nieces and nephews, the ocean, and lived with a generous heart.”

— Makayla Nieves (GoFundMe campaign)

What’s next

The authorities will continue to investigate the cause of the sinking and work to identify the second crew member.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the dangers that fishermen face and the importance of safety protocols and support systems for those working in this hazardous industry.