The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 18 May 2022.
Sinking and subsequent loss of life
Fishing vessel Sarah Anne
Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
The occurrence
On 25 May 2020 shortly after midnight, the fishing vessel Sarah Anne, with 4 people on board, departed St. Lawrence, Newfoundland and Labrador, to fish snow crab in Placentia Bay. The Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, received an overdue report at 1945 that evening. A search was launched using several vessels and aircraft. The bodies of 3 crew members were recovered the following day. The body of the 4th crew member was recovered from the shore on 06 June 2020. The vessel was not found.
Media materials
Speeches and presentations
News releases
TSB calls for improved coordination between federal departments to improve safety of commercial fishing in Canada
Read the news release
Backgrounder
Investigation information
M20A0160
Sinking and subsequent loss of life
Fishing vessel Sarah Anne
Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
Investigator-in-charge
Jeremy Ross joined the TSB in 2018 in the Atlantic region of the Marine branch. Jeremy holds a Master certificate, Near Coastal and has a bachelor’s degree in navigation as well as one in science (Biology).
Jeremy has worked for the Canadian Coast Guard since 1999, and more specifically for Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax since 2009.
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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
- 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.