A commercial fishing trip near Westport, Washington, turned tragic Friday, May 9, 2025, when a 68-foot fishing vessel capsized and sank, leaving one crew member unaccounted for. The U.S. Coast Guard responded swiftly to a distress call reporting flooding on board the ship. Three individuals were rescued, but a fourth remains missing, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation.
The Coast Guard received the emergency report around 8:30 a.m. and dispatched both boat and air crews to the scene. A team from the Grays Harbor station managed to pull three people from the water shortly before the vessel fully submerged. According to reports, by 10:30 a.m., the boat had sunk to the bottom of the channel. The missing individual has not been identified, and search efforts are currently being conducted by the Coast Guard and Navy divers, as well as an aerial team from Astoria, Oregon.
Possible Causes and Risks
The exact cause of the capsizing remains under investigation, but several known capsizing risks could have contributed. One of the most common threats to commercial fishing vessels is flooding caused by hull breaches or failing bilge systems. Poor weather conditions, improper weight distribution of the catch, or equipment malfunctions may also compromise a vessel’s stability.
Human error, such as delayed response to early signs of flooding or miscommunication among the crew, can further exacerbate a developing emergency. Given the rapid capsizing and the complete loss of the vessel, investigators will be looking closely at whether safety equipment was properly maintained and used, and whether the vessel was operating within its design limitations.
Fishing vessels, particularly those operating offshore, are routinely exposed to unpredictable conditions. That’s why maritime safety regulations require operators to follow strict maintenance schedules and training protocols. When these standards are not upheld, or when emergency protocols break down, the consequences can be deadly.
Legal Rights After Maritime Accidents
For the surviving crew members and the family of the missing individual, understanding their legal rights is crucial. Maritime law—including the Jones Act and other federal statutes—provides protections for those injured or killed in the course of maritime employment. These laws can offer compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional suffering when negligence or unsafe working conditions are to blame.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we handle maritime and offshore injury cases nationwide. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a commercial fishing accident, we can help investigate the circumstances, determine who may be liable, and pursue compensation on your behalf.
To speak with a maritime injury attorney, contact Spagnoletti Law Firm at 713-804-9306. Consultations are free, and we only collect fees if we recover compensation for you.