Captain Shawn Arsenault and His Girlfriend Go Missing While Fishing off the Coast of Cape Cod

An air of uncertainty and growing concern looms over Cape Cod after the sudden and mysterious disappearance of veteran fisherman Shawn Arsenault and his girlfriend. The couple went missing over the weekend while on a clamming expedition aboard a 30-foot white fishing boat named the F/V Seahorse.

Since Sunday, the U.S. Coast Guard, along with local authorities, have been conducting a wide-scale search operation across the waters of Cape Cod Bay and its surrounding shoreline. What makes the situation more puzzling is the discovery of the vessel’s GPS unit—abandoned on the beach—and vague reports suggesting unusual activity by the captain shortly after departure.

Shawn Arsenault, a 64-year-old from Orleans, Massachusetts, had departed on his usual fishing trip, optimistic about the haul and prepared with recently upgraded navigation equipment. Known locally for his commitment to the sea and meticulous approach to maintenance, his sudden disappearance has left friends, family, and fellow mariners at a loss. The unfolding events have led to more questions than answers, and the longer the pair remain missing, the deeper the mystery grows.

Strange Events Before Disappearance

Before the boat vanished, there were already indications that something unusual was happening. According to witnesses, shortly after leaving the port of Orleans, Shawn Arsenault was seen tossing items overboard. The reports of him “throwing something overboard” were relayed to the Coast Guard, but the nature of these items remains unknown. Commander Cliff Graham of the Coast Guard confirmed that they could not identify what was being discarded into the sea. This action has raised eyebrows, as it deviates from typical pre-fishing behavior.

Arsenault’s brother stated that just before the trip, the boat was thoroughly inspected by a mechanic. He added that the F/V Seahorse had received a new radar system and fish finder, and Shawn was excited about putting them to use. He reportedly said he wouldn’t return until he had his 30 bags, presumably of clams. His enthusiasm and preparation contradict the odd behavior that followed, deepening the mystery around the events that led to the couple’s disappearance.

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Adding to the confusion was the tracking data from Shawn Arsenault’s cellphone, which indicated the boat was last located roughly two miles off the coast of Chatham, a significant 15 miles away from Eastham’s Target Ship Wreck—where they were initially said to be fishing. This discrepancy in location has made the search operation more complex, stretching resources across a wider area of Cape Cod Bay.

The Discovery on the Beach

Perhaps the most baffling clue in this mystery came from a walk on the beach. On Sunday morning, Sam Miller and her father were strolling along the shoreline when they noticed something bobbing in the surf. Upon closer inspection, they discovered it was a GPS navigation device with “F/V Seahorse” written on it. Recognizing it as belonging to a boat, they left it along with a note on a nearby parked truck, which they assumed belonged to the boat’s owner.

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When they returned the next day and noticed the note and truck were untouched, they decided to contact the local harbormaster, who in turn notified the Coast Guard. This abandoned GPS device not only confirmed the involvement of the F/V Seahorse but also raised alarm bells about what might have happened to Arsenault and his girlfriend at sea.

The fact that the GPS was separated from the vessel, possibly washed ashore or thrown intentionally, points to a critical and potentially dangerous event. Whether the device was jettisoned in a panic, ripped from its mount in rough conditions, or left as a distress signal remains uncertain. Authorities have not yet confirmed if there were signs of foul play or if the couple encountered technical trouble or a natural hazard.

Search Efforts and Family’s Plea

As the search for the missing couple enters its fourth day, efforts from the Coast Guard, local police, and volunteers have intensified. Vessels have been deployed across a wide radius covering the route between Orleans, Eastham, and Chatham. Aerial surveillance has also been used in hopes of spotting the boat, debris, or any signs of life in the water. However, so far, no further trace of the couple or the boat has been found.

The Coast Guard has issued an alert and is encouraging mariners in the region to remain vigilant for any floating items or signs of distress in the water. The case remains open, with no formal declaration on whether the disappearance is considered an accident, a crime, or the result of some unknown emergency.

Arsenault’s brother, deeply emotional and hoping for a miracle, said, “You’re in my prayers, brother. I hope God takes care of you.” His words resonate across the fishing communities of Cape Cod, where everyone is hoping for a positive outcome. For now, they cling to hope, bolstered by memories of Arsenault’s skills and seafaring experience.

The mystery has shaken the local community, not only because of the personal loss but also due to the symbolic weight the sea holds in Cape Cod culture. Fishing is not just an occupation here—it’s a way of life, a tradition passed down generations. The disappearance of a well-known captain and his partner has become a haunting reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the risks inherent in maritime life.

There is speculation among locals—whispers of whether the boat may have encountered mechanical issues despite the reported recent servicing, or whether something more unexpected happened at sea. Some suggest a rogue wave or underwater obstruction might have led to capsizing. Others fear foul play or a sudden health crisis. Until more evidence surfaces, these remain speculations clouding a stark and silent reality.

As the days pass, the urgency grows. Each tide may carry away vital clues, and each hour lost in the search could further bury answers beneath the Atlantic’s vastness. What remains is a story that has gripped a region, united communities in concern, and sparked a determined effort to bring two people home.

At present, authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward. Whether it’s a sighting of debris, a memory of unusual activity near the shore, or a record from nearby fishing vessels, every detail could contribute to unraveling what truly happened to Shawn Arsenault and his girlfriend during their ill-fated journey aboard the F/V Seahorse.

The sea that gave so much to this seasoned fisherman now holds its secrets tightly. But for the families, the Coast Guard, and the community of Cape Cod, the search continues—with hope, determination, and the belief that answers, one way or another, will surface.