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Marine transportation safety investigation M15A0189

Table of contents

Disappearance of a fishing vessel

Small fishing vessel CFV 130214
Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador

View final report

The occurrence

On 16 June 2015, the fishing vessel CFV 130214 was reported overdue while fishing snow crab on the waters of Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) conducted a search of the area and, on 17 June 2015, recovered the 3 deceased crew members. The vessel was not found and is believed to have sunk.


Investigation information

Map showing the location of the occurrence


Investigator-in-charge

The Investigator-in-Charge of this investigation is Mr. Winfred Risser, Regional Senior Investigator, Fishing Vessels - Atlantic.


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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

  1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.