Fishermen drowning investigation complete

By Gregg Miliote (District Attorney's Office)
Published 05/2/2008
Announcements & Press Releases

New Bedford Police Department have concluded their investigation

The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and New Bedford Police Department have concluded their investigation into the deaths of two fishermen who died on January 22, 2008. This joint investigation has determined that the cause and manner of deaths of both fishermen were the result of accidental drowning.

Robert Glover, 36, of New Castle, Maine, drowned in the early morning hours of January 22nd, when he accidentally slipped and fell into the freezing waters of New Bedford harbor. Mr. Glover was attempting to board the fishing vessel, Arcturus, when he fell off the North Terminal pier into the water. The findings of the Medical Examiner corroborated other evidence that determined that Mr. Glover was significantly intoxicated at the time of his death and that this intoxication contributed to his death. Mr. Glover’s body was recovered shortly after the incident near the Eastern and Nordic Fisheries at the North Terminal pier.

The investigation further revealed that the Captain of the fishing vessel, Arcturus, Kenneth Thuestad, 48, of Mattapoisett, drowned when he went into the water after Mr. Glover. Mr. Thuestad was quickly incapacitated by the temperature of the frigid water and became submerged. Mr. Thuestad’s body was recovered the following day at the North Terminal pier in approximately 35 feet of water.