The bodies of Shawn Arsenault, 64, and his girlfriend Felicia Daley, 54, were found Wednesday aboard their sunken fishing boat in approximately 25 feet of water off Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts. The couple had been missing since Sunday, June 8, when they departed Rock Harbor in Orleans for a clamming expedition.
A recreational boater discovered the 30-foot white-hulled vessel F/V Seahorse around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday near Brewster beaches. The boat featured a painted mermaid on the bow and “Seahorse” inscribed on the stern. Coast Guard Cutter William Sparling arrived at the scene within 30 minutes, while divers from the Massachusetts Environmental Police and Massachusetts State Police conducted the recovery operation.
According to Paul Arsenault, Shawn’s brother, the couple was found inside the boat’s wheelhouse without life jackets and had not issued any distress calls. Paul Arsenault believes the vessel became entangled on an underwater wreck, causing the incident to occur too rapidly for the occupants to contact emergency services. He described the boat as having “gotten hooked up on a wreck that was on the bottom of the ocean.”
The search operation began Tuesday morning when the Orleans harbormaster noticed Arsenault’s white Ford pickup truck remained in the marina parking lot two days after the boat’s departure. The couple had planned to fish near the Target Ship Wreck off Eastham in Cape Cod Bay, but a cellphone ping last placed their vessel approximately two miles offshore from Chatham, roughly 15 miles from their intended location.
Coast Guard officials confirmed receiving reports that Arsenault was observed throwing electronic equipment overboard shortly after leaving the harbor on Sunday morning. Commander Cliff Graham indicated the agency could not confirm what specific equipment was discarded. Sam Miller, who was walking on the beach Sunday morning with her father, discovered a GPS unit bearing the name “F/V Seahorse” floating in the surf.
Miller and her father located Arsenault’s truck at Rock Harbor and left the GPS device with a note. When they returned Monday and found the truck and note untouched, they contacted the harbormaster, who subsequently alerted the Coast Guard. However, Paul Arsenault expressed skepticism about the reports, stating he could not imagine his brother discarding equipment because “all that stuff means a lot to him.”
The Seahorse represented a significant investment for Arsenault, who had spent six years saving to purchase the vessel. Sunday’s trip marked only his third outing as owner. Paul Arsenault noted his brother had recently installed new radar and fish finder equipment and was excited about the upgrades.
Arsenault had extensive maritime experience, having operated boats throughout his career from New Bedford to Provincetown. His brother described him as someone who “ran boats all his life” and loved being on the water. Paul Arsenault said, “He just loved being on the water.”
The captain was known for his generous nature within the Orleans community. Paul Arsenault recounted how his brother would cook dinner nightly for a neighbor with Parkinson’s disease and deliver it personally. He characterized Arsenault as someone who consistently helped those in need and was well-regarded by community members.
Arsenault and Daley had been dating for several months and were described as being “absolutely nuts about each other” by Paul Arsenault. Both individuals were experienced with boats, and friends remembered Daley as a loyal companion. Scott Amerault, who knew Daley since high school, indicated that she was a dependable friend to those close to her.
The Coast Guard conducted an extensive multi-agency search operation that included issuing urgent marine information broadcasts and deploying multiple vessels throughout Cape Cod Bay. Search crews initially focused on both sides of the harbor because cellphone pings have significant variability in accuracy. The ping placed the vessel offshore from Chatham on what officials described as “the wrong side,” while the boat was ultimately found inside the bay.
Orleans Harbormaster Nathan Sears explained that quahog draggers like the Seahorse pull large steel cages behind their vessels. He noted that if such boats become entangled on the ocean bottom, particularly during nighttime fishing operations, they can capsize quickly. Sears also mentioned that Arsenault’s boat had recently experienced mechanical issues but appeared to be functioning properly after repairs.
Charter operator Hap Farrell, familiar with the vessel, expressed previous concerns about its stability. He described the boat as having a round hull design with equipment positioned high, making it susceptible to rolling over if it became caught on underwater obstructions while dragging gear.
Weather conditions were not considered a factor in the incident, though fog and thunderstorms hampered search efforts. The Coast Guard continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking. The agency has requested anyone with information to contact the Sector Southeastern New England command center.
