7-Year Maritime Mystery: Wreck Found Near Wind Turbine

The 50-foot, F/V Mistress believed to be found off Block Island near wind turbine. Photo/video capture.

The wreckage of a commercial fishing boat that vanished over seven years ago has likely been discovered just 50 feet from the base of an offshore wind turbine, potentially solving a long-standing maritime mystery.

The environmental organization Green Oceans announced back in September that a privately funded underwater investigation located the remains of what is believed to be the F/V Mistress. The 52-foot wooden trawler sank during a winter storm on January 1, 2019, near the  Block Island Wind Farm. While one deckhand was rescued, Captain Oscar Diaz and John Ansay Jr. were never found, and an extensive U.S. Coast Guard search failed to locate the hull.

The wreck was recently discovered 92 feet underwater just east of turbine No. 1. Scientific divers photographed distinguishing features matching original Coast Guard images, including the boat’s propeller, fuel tanks, and a custom net drum. Investigators also reported finding apparent human remains. Green Oceans initiated the targeted search after receiving tips from offshore wind contractors who rumored wreckage near the turbine. Plotting the original distress coordinates pointed investigators directly to the structure.

The proximity to the turbine has prompted calls to reopen the investigation. Green Oceans noted the hull’s orientation suggests the vessel may have made an abrupt starboard avoidance maneuver to dodge the turbine while taking on water, causing it to roll and sink. The organization requested an interagency federal review to determine if the wind farm played a role in the accident or impacted rescue efforts, which could influence future offshore wind permitting regulations.

Federal regulators and public officials have taken a highly cautious stance. While the U.S. Coast Guard acknowledged receipt of the 43-page dive report, the agency has declined to formally reopen the investigation, citing a lack of verified foundational evidence directly released to them. Support from lawmakers is also split; Rhode Island U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner explicitly stated he would not call on the Coast Guard to reopen the case. Furthermore, no interagency federal review has been scheduled, and federal authorities have yet to agree to suspend local wind farm maintenance.

Written by Tom Schlichter