Memorial service to be held for Xavier Vega and Gerald Bretal, New Bedford fishermen lost at sea

On November 24th, the 56-foot F/V “Leonardo” capsized and sunk off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. Only one person in the four-man crew, Ernesto Santos, was rescued by the Coast Guard and lost at sea were Mark Cormier Jr., Xavier Vega and boat Captian Gerald Bretal.

On December 29th, 2019 a celebration of life service was help for 35-year old Mark Cormier Jr. at the Seamen’s Bethel in New Bedford.

On Sunday, March 1 from 2:00pn-4:00pm a memorial service being held for the remaining two fisherman, Xavier “Saby” Vega and Gerald Bretal at the Seamen’s Bethel, 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740 A celebration of Life will continue after the service at the Loyal Order Of Moose Lodge, 119 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford.

A family member who wished to remain anonymous wanted to share the information with the public. “If you could please share this to get the message out to the people that may have known them and for who we do not have contact info. That way they may see the public post. I’d greatly appreciate it.”