Marine transportation safety investigation M23C0257

TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 4 November 2025.

Table of contents

    Sinking and subsequent loss of life
    Fishing vessel Silver Condor
    La Tabatière, Quebec

    The occurrence

    On 24 September 2023, the fishing vessel Silver Condor, with 6 people on board, began its return trip to port after fishing for redfish. Around midnight on 25 September, the vessel started listing to port and sinking by the stern; as the vessel sank, all people on board entered the water. At 0230, search and rescue authorities received a signal from the Silver Condor’s emergency position-indicating radio beacon. After trying to contact the vessel without success, a search was launched using several vessels and aircraft. All the people were eventually recovered from the water and brought to the hospital in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. Three of the people were treated for hypothermia and other injuries, and the other 3 were declared dead. The vessel was not recovered.


    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.