On the morning of November 8, 2016, a group of friends embarked on a recreational fishing trip from the Sandwich Marina in Massachusetts, a day that would end in mystery and an extensive search. Among them was 41-year-old Mario Fialho. He, along with Carlos and Dylan Amaral, set out in a 23-foot vessel named the "Dad Sea Cave". They were part of a small convoy of three separate boats that left the marina around 6:00 AM, heading across Cape Cod Bay to fish near Race Point, a journey of approximately 26 miles. The group was reportedly fishing for mackerel and enjoying a day on the water, an activity they loved.
As the day progressed, the weather and sea conditions were not reported to be unusually hazardous. The group of boats had been fishing in the vicinity of each other for some time. At approximately 2:00 PM, two of the boats that were fishing near each other decided to start their journey back to the Sandwich Marina. It was at this point they realized they could not locate the "Dad Sea Cave". Their concern grew when the vessel, with Fialho and the Amarals aboard, did not return to the marina as planned that afternoon. By 7:00 PM, with no sign of the boat or communication from its occupants, a friend of the boaters officially reported them as missing to the Coast Guard. The men's truck and boat trailer were found still parked at the marina.
The United States Coast Guard promptly launched an extensive search and rescue operation covering the vast expanse of Cape Cod Bay, from Sandwich to Provincetown. The multi-day search involved numerous assets, including boats from several Coast Guard stations, a cutter, and an aircraft, along with assistance from various local and state agencies. Despite combing thousands of nautical miles, the search yielded no sign of the missing men or their vessel. An oil slick was investigated off the coast of Provincetown, but divers found nothing connected to the missing boat. After days of exhaustive efforts, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend the active search. In a statement, Captain Richard Schultz, the Commander of Sector Southeastern New England, expressed the deep regret of the search teams, stating, "It hits home anytime we are unable to find mariners who need help." He also extended his thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the missing men. The disappearance of Mario Fialho, Carlos Amaral, and Dylan Amaral remains an unresolved case, leaving their families with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
Last Seen: Nov 08, 2016
