A sudden loss of power in the main engine in rough seas caused Spanish trawler Villa de Pitanxo to sink around 300 miles off Canada’s east coast on Tuesday 15 February 2022, the vessel’s rescued skipper has confirmed.
Left without propulsion or steering and exposed to strong winds and waves Villa de Pitanxo capsized and quickly sank, Skipper Juan Padín explained in a statement that has been released by the vessels owner, fishing company Pesquerías Nores.
Of the 24 crew, just three were rescued, including Padín.
Nine other bodies have been recovered, with the remaining 12 still missing.
The 50-metre Villa de Pitanxo operated out of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It was engaged in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation groundfish trawl fishery.
It is believed that the vessel’s nets had been deployed at the time of the sinking.
