Canadian Coast Guard officials have confirmed a decision was made to end the search and rescue operation in Fleur de Lys. Officials say they will work with the RCMP to transfer responsibility of this case as it becomes a recovery operation. 

“An extensive search for the missing person from the fishing vessel was carried out by Canadian Coast Guard vessels, Canadian Forces aircraft, Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, and with the assistance of local vessels. The search area of approximately 200 square nautical miles was thoroughly covered, and search and rescue assets searched a cumulative total of 502 nautical miles squared. 

The Canadian Coast Guard works with its search and rescue partner the Royal Canadian Airforce in the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre. On Wednesday evening, September 13, a recommendation was made to end the search and rescue operation, which was subsequently approved by the Department of National Defense’s Regional Search and Rescue Commander. Such decisions are not taken lightly.  

Our condolences to the families and everyone involved in this tragedy. 

We will continue to work with the RCMP to transfer responsibility of this case as it becomes a recovery operation.  The RCMP will continue with a dive team in the area and the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Earl Grey will remain at the scene to assist.”

Earlier story

Yesterday it was confirmed that a commercial cod fishing vessel with four men on board went down in the waters off the coast of Fleur de Lys on Tuesday.

One man was rescued, two men were recovered deceased and one man remains missing. The search for the missing man continues today.

The investigation into the cause of the sunken vessel is continuing in partnership with Transport Canada and Workplace NL.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged.

NTV’s Ben Cleary is in Fleur de Lys, and will have the latest on NTV News First Edition, and the NTV Evening Newshour.