Search for two missing fishermen postponed again

The search for a missing clam boat that sank off the coast of Nantucket last week is on hold Monday as divers wait for safer conditions to go into the Atlantic Ocean.

Seven days have passed since the “Misty Blue’’ disappeared into the water, and two its crew members — Michael Roberts, 49, and Jonathan Saraiva, 32 — remain missing.

State Police spokesman David Procopio said rough seas have prevented divers from going into the water to check on the sunken vessel. Divers are hoping to return to the site Tuesday, he said.

The Rev. David Lima told WPRI that the multiple delays in the recovery efforts have been “emotionally crushing,’’ to the Saraiva family.

“The hope to recover and bring their son and brother home is their biggest desire now,’’ Lima said in an interview with WPRI.

“The Saraiva family are deeply grieving the disappearance and loss of their son Jonathan in the sinking of the Misty Blue,’’ Lima said. “The enormous amount of support they have received through offers of prayer and kind words has not gone unnoticed and is very much appreciated.’’

The Misty Blue had been harvesting surf clams Dec. 4 when it ran into trouble and sank about 10 miles off the coast of Nantucket. The boat’s captain, Eric Arabian, 44, and another crewman, Colby McMullen, 22, survived and were rescued from the water by a nearby fishing vessel.

Roberts and Saraiva have not been seen since.

Using sonar, the State Police Dive Team on Dec. 4 located a large object in the water that they believe to be the Misty Blue, but State Police said weather and ocean conditions have prevented them from diving in to get a closer look at that time.

The cause of the sinking remains undetermined.

The incident is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board and the US Coast Guard.