POINT REYES -- The U.S. Coast Guard Friday is investigating the death of Santa Cruz fisherman Paul Wade and the loss of his 28.5-foot fishing vessel Buona Madre off Point Reyes on July 13.

Wade's body was discovered the next day by another fishing boat 8 miles off Point Reyes.

Lt. Anya Hunter, a Coast Guard spokeswoman, said the marine casualty investigation will examine the possibility that Wade's vessel collided with another vessel in dense fog.

It will also review all ships that passed through the area at the time, weather and sea conditions, the condition of the Buona Madre before it sank, and communications records and logs, Hunter said.

Hunter said the Bahamian-flagged freighter Eva Danielsen notified the Coast Guard's Vessel Traffic Service at 5:17 p.m. July 13 about a possible collision with another boat off Point Reyes.

The freighter reported losing radar contact with a vessel that had been operating in its vicinity and the Eva Danielsen said it searched the area for signs of distress or collision, Hunter said. The vessel reported 30 minutes later it found no signs of collision or a vessel in distress, Hunter said.

Another fishing vessel, the Marja, which had previously made passing arrangements with the Eva Danielsen, reported by radio that it was safe and that another fishing vessel it observed in the immediate area was intact. The Marja also reported no other radar contacts in the area, Hunter said.

The Coast Guard also put out an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast requesting all mariners in the area to be on the lookout and report any vessels in distress and to assist if possible, Hunter said.

The Coast Guard launched a rescue boat from Station Bodega Bay at 5:40 p.m. and a nearby cutter on patrol also was diverted to the scene, Hunter said.

"Based on information provided by the Eva Danielsen, other vessels operating in the area, and other available information, the Coast Guard evaluated the situation as a false alert and recalled its units," Hunter said.

The Eva Danielsen continued on to Portland, Ore., where crew members were interviewed and collected information for the investigation, Hunter said. The investigation could take several months to complete, Hunter said.

The Coast Guard is also conducting a routine administrative internal review of the case.

"We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Paul Wade. Our investigation will seek to determine the cause of this loss and make recommendations to help avoid similar tragedies in the future," said Capt. Bill Uberti, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.