Tragedy has once again hit the close knit, Newfoundland and Labrador inshore commercial fishing community.
At approximately 2 p.m on July 21, Canadian Coast Guard officials stated that they received a report of a sunken vessel near Brent’s Cove on the Baie Verte Peninsula, with three people reported missing.
The coast guard tasked the lifeboat vessel CCGS Conception Bay, as well as a fixed-wing aircraft and a Cormorant helicopter with the search. It also issued a mayday broadcast for vessels of opportunity — any boats in the area available to help.
“A vessel of opportunity recovered two people from the water, one survivor and one deceased. The Cormorant helicopter recovered one deceased person from the shoreline,” read a statement from the Coast Guard.
Sunset Memorial Funeral Home photo.
The two victims have been identified as Stanley Giles and Michael Peter Seymour of Harbour Round — both men were 66 years old. The survivor of the speedboat accident was identified as Giles’ brother Junior Giles, who had to swim more than 100 metres to shore.
The accident has shaken the small community of Harbour Round as messages of condolences poured in from across the province.
Premier Tony Wakeham extended condolences to the families and friends of two fish harvesters, who lost their life in a tragic incident off Harbour Round on the Baie Verte Peninsula.
“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones who are grieving this unimaginable loss. This tragedy is being felt not only in Harbour Round and across the Baie Verte Peninsula, but throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. We are thinking of everyone affected, including the survivor, and hope they find strength in the support of their community during this incredibly difficult time.”
Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Loyola O’Driscoll echoed Wakeham’s words.
“Once again, a tragedy has occurred at sea, with the loss of two fishermen from Newfoundland and Labrador. This is heartbreaking news for the Baie Verte Peninsula, the families, the fishing industry and for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians near and far. This loss is a devastating reminder of the many dangers that can occur on the ocean each and every day. My deepest condolences to all those affected. As you take the time to grieve, may you surround yourself with the support of those close to you and the communities around you.”
Sunset Memorial Funeral Home photo.
Lin Paddock, the MHA for the area, stated, “the Baie Verte Peninsula is a place where neighbours stand by one another in times of hardship, and today we mourn together. My thoughts are with the families, friends and fellow harvesters whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy. I also want to thank the Canadian Coast Guard, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, the RCMP, volunteer responders and everyone who took part in the search and recovery efforts with compassion and professionalism.”
FFAW President Dwan Street said, “Our hearts go out to Harbour Round tonight. This industry and the ocean can be unforgiving. Our members put their lives on the line every day to provide seafood to tables and it is a cruel reality that sometimes the ocean takes away. To our members, their families, friends, communities — we are sending our love, support and strength. If you, or someone you know, needs extra support through this tragedy, please reach out to your staff rep for a list of available resources.”
In a press release, the Food Fishery Committee (FFC) and members of the Food Fishery Fighters Facebook group said they are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two commercial fishermen from Harbour Round on the Baie Verte Peninsula.
FFC chair Merv Wiseman extended sincere condolences to the victims’ families, the sole survivor, friends, the residents of Harbour Round and the entire fishing community during this most difficult time.
“The tragedy is yet another heartbreaking reminder of the risks faced by fish harvesters every single day they are on the water,” said Wiseman. “Unfortunately, incidents like these have become all too familiar for fishing families and our coastal communities throughout the province.”
Wiseman, a long-time marine safety advocate, noted that while the fishing industry remains the backbone of the province, the industry’s dangers demand extra vigilance and a continued commitment to safety at sea.
“As the community and the entire province mourns this profound loss, our thoughts remain with the families who have lost loved ones; as well as with friends, neighbours and fellow fish harvesters affected by this tragedy,” said Wiseman.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
