Authorities Identify 4 Missing Fishermen Whose Boat Sank Off Cape

PROVINCETOWN, MA — Authorities have released the names of four missing Maine fishermen after their boat sank off the coast of Cape Cod.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources on Wednesday announced that Jeff Matthews, Ethan Ward, Michael Porper and Robert Blethen were lost at sea when the Emmy Rose sank Monday morning 20 miles off the coast of Provincetown. All four men onboard were part of Portland's fishing community.

The U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday night it called off the search for four missing fishermen after a 38-hour search spanning more than 2,000 miles. The Coast Guard wasn't able to find the 82-foot fishing vessel and the men on board the ship.

"The decision to suspend a search is never an easy one," said Coast Guard Capt. Wesley Hester. "We extend our condolences to the friends and loved ones of these fishermen during this trying time."

The Emmy Ross sank around 1:30 a.m. while on its way to Gloucester. Marine Traffic data showed the ship went out of range Monday morning after departing from Portland, Maine, on Nov. 17.

According to the Coast Guard, the crew did not make any sort of distress call. The Coast Guard became aware of the sinking ship when the vessel's emergency beacon made contact with the water and sent out a signal.

Coast Guard officials said there were no answers on the vessel's satellite phone, but they were able to send a helicopter to search the last known location of the Emmy Rose.

Upon arrival to the vessel's last known position, Coast Guard crews discovered debris and an empty life raft.