This investigation has been completed. The report was released on 26 July 2017.
Capsizing and loss of life
Small fishing vessel C19496NB
Salmon Beach, New Brunswick
The occurrence
On 16 June 2016, the fishing vessel C19496NB, with three people on board, took water over the stern and capsized while hauling a lobster trap snarled with other lobster gear about 0.5 nautical miles west of Miller Brook’s wharf, New Brunswick. The fishing vessel Marie Ellie 1 rescued a deckhand straddling the keel of the vessel, and minutes later, recovered the other two crew members who had perished in the sea. The rescue vessel returned the C19496NB crew to Miller Brook’s wharf, New Brunswick where the survivor was transported to the hospital.
Safety communications
Recommendation
TSB Recommendation M17-04: The government of New Brunswick and WorkSafeNB require persons to wear suitable personal flotation devices at all times when on the deck of a commercial fishing vessel or on board a commercial fishing vessel without a deck or deck structure and that WorkSafeNB ensure that programs are developed to confirm compliance.
Media materials
News releases
TSB recommends mandatory safety measures following investigation into 2016 fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel near Salmon Beach, New Brunswick
Read the news release
Backgrounders
Investigation findings (M16A0140) into the 2016 fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel near Salmon Beach, New Brunswick
Read the backgrounder
Safety communications for TSB investigation (M16A0140) into the 2016 fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel near Salmon Beach, New Brunswick
Read the backgrounder
Speeches
News conference for the release of Marine Investigation Report M16A0140: Opening remarks
Joe Hincke, Board memeber
Read the opening remarks
Joe Hincke,
Board member
Media advisories
TSB will hold a news conference to release its investigation report into the June 2016 fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel near Miller Brook Wharf, Salmon Beach, New Brunswick
Read the media advisory
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team to Salmon Beach, New Brunswick, following the fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, 16 June 2016 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Salmon Beach, New Brunswick, following the fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M16A0140
Capsizing and loss of life
Small fishing vessel C19496NB
Salmon Beach, New Brunswick
Investigator-in-charge
The Investigator-in-Charge of this investigation is Mr. Winfred Risser, Regional Senior Investigator, Fishing Vessel Marine - Atlantic.
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 2 investigation. These investigations are complex and involve several safety issues requiring in-depth analysis. Class 2 investigations, which frequently result in recommendations, are generally completed within 600 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- 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.
- 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.