Crew Member Lost in Atlantic Waters Off New York Coast

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Maritime Safety Alert: Crew Member Lost in Atlantic Waters Off New York Coast​

June 8, 2025 - NY Angler News
The fishing and maritime community mourns the loss of a crew member who died in a tragic accident aboard the supply vessel POLARIS while conducting operations in Atlantic waters off the U.S. East Coast on June 2nd.

Incident Details​

The US-flagged Tidewater vessel POLARIS, a platform supply vessel built in 2014, was operating in the Atlantic Ocean when the fatal incident occurred. Despite immediate emergency response efforts by crew members and emergency agencies, the crew member could not be saved.
The vessel arrived in New York Harbor on June 3rd and remains moored in the area as the U.S. Coast Guard conducts a full investigation into the cause of the accident.

Connection to Local Waters​

The POLARIS was reportedly supporting operations related to the Empire Wind offshore wind project off New York's coast - an area familiar to many local anglers who fish the offshore waters for tuna, mahi, and other pelagic species. The $5 billion project, designed to power 500,000 New York homes by 2027, recently resumed construction after a temporary suspension.

Maritime Safety Reminder​

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers faced by all maritime workers, from commercial fishing crews to charter boat captains and offshore support vessel operators. The waters off New York's coast, while providing excellent fishing opportunities, demand constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
For recreational anglers venturing offshore, this incident underscores the importance of:
•Maintaining proper safety equipment aboard all vessels
•Filing float plans with trusted contacts
•Monitoring weather and sea conditions
•Ensuring all crew members are familiar with emergency procedures
•Carrying functioning communication devices

Industry Impact​

The ongoing development of offshore wind projects in traditional fishing grounds continues to be a topic of concern for the angling community. While these projects aim to provide clean energy, they also represent significant changes to the marine environment that many anglers have fished for generations.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the crew member who lost their life in this tragic accident. The maritime community - whether commercial or recreational - stands together during times like these.
The U.S. Coast Guard investigation is ongoing. Additional details will be reported as they become available.


Stay safe on the water. For the latest fishing reports and maritime safety information, visit nyangler.com