Last Updated on June 20, 2025
A search for a missing fishing boat and its captain off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, concluded tragically when the vessel, F/V Seahorse, was found submerged with two bodies on board. The 30-foot boat, captained by Shawn Arsenault, had been reported overdue after departing Rock Harbor Marina in Orleans with his girlfriend.
Discovery of the F/V Seahorse
On Wednesday evening, June 11, the F/V Seahorse was discovered by a recreational fisherman near Billingsgate Shoal, off Brewster, submerged in approximately 20 to 25 feet of water. The discovery brought a somber end to a multi-day search operation.
- Location: Billingsgate Shoal, off Brewster, Cape Cod Bay.
- Depth: Approximately 20-25 feet of water.
- Discovery Method: Found by a recreational fisherman dragging fishing gear at low tide.
The Missing Crew
Captain Shawn Arsenault and his girlfriend had departed Rock Harbor Marina in Orleans on Sunday, June 8, aboard the F/V Seahorse. Arsenault, a 64-year-old experienced fisherman, was known for his dedication to his craft. His brother, Paul Arsenault, expressed deep concern after three days passed without their return.
The Search Operation
The extensive search for the F/V Seahorse was initiated after the boat was reported overdue on Monday, June 9. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England led the multi-agency effort.
Key aspects of the search included:
- Initial Alert: Orleans Harbormaster Nate Sears contacted the Coast Guard on Tuesday, June 10, after Shawn Arsenault failed to return to Rock Harbor.
- Cell Phone Ping: A cell phone ping from the boat was last detected two miles offshore of Chatham, a location unusual for Arsenault's typical fishing grounds.
- Search Assets: The Coast Guard deployed cutters, conducted grid pattern searches with sonar, and utilized planes for aerial surveillance. Partner agencies, including Massachusetts Environmental Police, State Police, National Park Service, and local fire and police departments, assisted by searching shorelines, marinas, and fishing piers.
- GPS Unit Discovery: On Sunday morning, a GPS unit with the boat's name, "Seahorse," taped on it was found on a nearby beach by Sam Miller. This discovery prompted Miller's family to leave a note on Arsenault's pickup truck, which remained unmoved at the marina.
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Coast Guard is currently investigating the cause of the sinking. Salvage operations are expected to follow to retrieve the vessel from the water. The tragic incident has deeply affected the local fishing community and the families involved.
Sources
- Missing boat found off the coast of the Cape, 2 dead on board - Boston News, Weather, Sports, WHDH.
- Two bodies found on submerged F/V Seahorse Wednesday., Cape Cod Times.
- US Coast Guard search for missing fishing boat off Cape Cod coast, WCVB.
- Coast Guard searching for couple aboard missing boat off Cape Cod and more top stories, CBS News.
- U.S. Coast Guard searching for missing fishing boat off the Cape - Boston News, Weather, Sports, WHDH.