Residents of Fleur de Lys, Newfoundland, are grappling with the tragic loss of two fishermen and anxiously awaiting word on a third who remains missing following a boat sinking near their community’s coast on Tuesday. The mayor of Fleur de Lys, Bob Traverse, stated that the town hall has been opened as a gathering place for residents to seek solace and support one another during this difficult time. Some individuals had already gathered at the local church earlier in the day, awaiting updates.
According to Mayor Traverse, the search and rescue efforts, including helicopter support, are ongoing. The small town of approximately 200 residents is already dealing with the recent deaths of three individuals from natural causes, further adding to their grief. Mayor Traverse expressed the community’s determination to support each other and navigate this challenging period together.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) received a report from the Canadian Coast Guard on Tuesday at around 3:30 p.m. regarding the sinking of a seven-meter fishing boat situated less than a kilometer from the shoreline. The boat went down approximately 1.6 kilometers from the harbor in Fleur de Lys, which is approximately 375 kilometers northwest of St. John’s. Four men were on board the vessel at the time.
Local fishermen managed to rescue one of the men from the shore, while tragically, the other two did not survive. The rescued individual received an assessment by an emergency medical team and did not require further medical attention. A search for the missing fourth man commenced on Tuesday with assistance from the coast guard, Canadian Armed Forces, and local residents. The search effort continued into the night with helicopters scouring the area.
On Wednesday, search teams from various towns in western and central Newfoundland were mobilized to aid the coast guard and the Armed Forces in their search efforts on land, at sea, and from the air. Additionally, the RCMP’s underwater recovery team was present at the scene.
Mayor Traverse noted that the fishermen on board the vessel are believed to be from Fleur de Lys and the neighboring community of Coachman’s Cove. Local fishermen set out early Wednesday morning to assist in the search for the missing man. Despite the tragedies the community has faced over the years, they remain resilient and united in their efforts to support one another.
The RCMP is conducting an investigation into the incident in collaboration with Transport Canada and provincial workplace health and safety officials.