The search for a 54 year old Mik’maw fisherman continues in waters south of Yarmouth.
The captain of the vessel “FV Miss Janet” went missing as the boat was transmitting from Shelburne to Saulnierville early yesterday morning.
Three other crewmembers slept overnight on the vessel, while the captain stayed in the wheelhouse. When the crew members woke up, they were unable to find him.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax began the search, with Coast Guard vessels and helicopters, but fog created poor visibility yesterday.
Lieutenant-Commander Brian Owens of JRCC says after midnight, weather conditions improved.
“Additionally, because of the improved weather conditions, the C130 Hercules aircraft returned to the area, along with another aircraft to help search the shoreline, different islands that are in the vicinity, and along the ocean,” says Lt. Cmdr. Owens.
He says many commercial fishing vessels are assisting, and they plan to continue searching through the day and evening with all available resources.
“More eyes are better to try and find this missing individual. The commercial fishers are out there, coordinating with our JRCC team, alongside our Canadian Coast Guard partners and auxiliary vessels.”
The missing captain is from the Sipekne’katik First Nation.
In a statement today, Chief Mike Sack thanked the rescue teams involved with the search, as well as private boat operators and commercial fishers who have joined the effort to help bring ‘our brother’ home.
He asked for privacy and continued support in the days ahead.
