Shipwreck of F/V Mistress Found 7 Years After Rhode Island Disaster
The 52‑foot commercial fishing vessel F/V Mistress, lost off Rhode Island on New Year’s Day 2019, has been found in 2026 by Green Oceans. Divers recovered human remains and identified the wreck, prompting a request for a federal investigation into the wreck’s circumstances and the nearby wind farm’…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The 52‑foot fishing boat F/V Mistress vanished off the coast of Rhode Island on New Year’s Day 2019, taking with it its captain, Oscar Diaz, his son Tim, and nephew John Ansay. After a distress call at 12:03 a.m., the vessel was reported to have struck rough weather near Block Island, began taking on water, and was lost in a search that covered more than 2,150 nautical miles. While Tim Diaz was rescued, the other two men were never found and the wreck itself remained a mystery for seven years.
Finding the Lost Vessel
In July 2026, the ocean‑protection non‑profit Green Oceans launched a sonar survey that pinpointed a potential wreck site 92 feet below sea level. Divers visited the site on August 30, 2026, and documented wreckage that matched the F/V Mistress’s specifications, including hull shape, deck fittings, and a distinctive 52‑foot length. The team also recovered a set of human remains, believed to belong to one of the missing fishermen.
Green Oceans’ findings are still preliminary; the organization has requested that the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Coast Guard reopen the investigation. The wreck sits roughly 50 feet from a turbine in the Block Island Wind Farm, raising questions about whether the wind farm’s presence contributed to the incident or hindered rescue efforts.
Block Island Wind Farm Context
The Block Island Wind Farm, the first offshore wind facility in the United States, has been operational since 2016. Its 600‑foot‑tall turbines generate enough electricity to power about 17,000 homes. Numerous studies have examined the wind farm’s impact on wildlife and maritime traffic, generally concluding that it poses minimal navigation hazards. However, the F/V Mistress’s proximity to a turbine and the fact that a helicopter had to turn back during the 2019 search due to high winds and limited visibility have prompted calls for a deeper review of the wind farm’s maintenance and monitoring protocols.
Government Response and Next Steps
Green Oceans has urged federal authorities to secure the wreck site immediately for forensic analysis. The organization also wants the Coast Guard to investigate the search operations and to provide public transparency regarding turbine maintenance since the wreck occurred. President of Green Oceans, Michael Lombardi, expressed hope that the discovery will bring closure to the families of the missing fishermen.
At present, the wreck’s exact identity remains unconfirmed, but the combination of sonar imaging, divers’ observations, and the recovered remains strongly suggests that the site is indeed the F/V Mistress. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s involvement will determine whether the wreck is officially recognized and what, if any, legal or regulatory actions are warranted.
For the families of Oscar Diaz, Tim Diaz, and John Ansay, the discovery offers a chance to finally learn what happened to their loved ones. For maritime safety officials, the case underscores the importance of clear communication and coordination during search and rescue operations, especially in areas with emerging offshore infrastructure.
Why This Matters
The F/V Mistress case highlights the challenges of maritime search and rescue in increasingly complex coastal environments. It also raises questions about how new offshore energy projects intersect with traditional fishing routes and the safety of those who depend on them.
"We hope this discovery provides answers and some measure of closure for the fishermen's families," said Michael Lombardi, president of Green Oceans.
Key facts
- F/V Mistress wreck found 92 feet deep
- Human remains recovered
- Wreck near Block Island Wind Farm turbine
- Green Oceans requests federal investigation
- Search operations and turbine maintenance under review
Why it matters
The discovery of the F/V Mistress wreck provides critical closure for the families involved and serves as a reminder of the complexities maritime safety faces in the age of offshore renewable energy development.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the F/V Mistress to sink?
The vessel struck rough weather near Block Island, began taking on water, and sank. Exact cause remains under investigation.
Who is Green Oceans?
Green Oceans is an ocean‑protection non‑profit that conducts research and advocacy to safeguard marine environments.
Is the Block Island Wind Farm responsible for the wreck?
No definitive link has been established; the proximity has prompted a review of potential impacts.
What will happen to the wreck site?
Federal authorities are expected to secure the site for forensic analysis and possibly reopen the Coast Guard investigation.
How can families get updates?
Families can contact the Coast Guard or Green Oceans for the latest information.
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “Shipwreck, apparent human remains found 7 years after fishing boat sank off Rhode Island”
