Investigation ends into Miss Ally sinking off N.S.

The Transportation Safety Board is calling off any further investigation into the sinking of a Nova Scotia fishing vessel in February that claimed the lives of five young men from Woods Harbour.

"Going any further with that would be writing a sad story that doesnt have any recommendations to improve safety," said Pierre Murray, manager of regional operations for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

The Miss Ally overturned in rough waters on Feb. 17. The hull was found floating in the ocean several days later, but the wheelhouse and sleeping areas were gone. The hull was never brought to shore, but Murray said that wasnt a factor in their decision.

"We have looked at the vessel, we were on scene, we had an investigator on scene looking at the vessel through ROVs," he said.

Murray said they were able to obtain enough information from witnesses and reports before the accident to conclude what happened that day. He said the Miss Ally was in good working order and no additional equipment would have changed the outcome.

"Although we dont have the exactly the event the direct event at the time of the accident we have a lot of information about what lead to this accident."

Murray said the crew on the vessel were well informed about the forecast. He said theres nothing more the TSB can add, and that the sinking is a tragic story.

Katlin Nickerson, Billy Jack Hatfield, Joel Hopkins, Steven Cole Nickerson and Tyson Townsenddied when the vessel overturned. The bodies of the fishermen were not recovered.