Two men dead after boat capsizes on west coast

The Canadian Coast Guard has confirmed it recovered two bodies from the ocean on Sunday.

Two men are dead following a boating accident off the west coast on Sunday involving a capsized fishing vessel, according to the Canadian Coast Guard. The Miss Jenny was a 23 foot open boat and had 6 crewmen on board.

CCGS Cape Edensaw, based out of the Lark Harbour rescue station, along with a cormorant helicopter from 9 Wing Gander, were dispatched to an area known as Molly Ann Cove around 11:00 a.m. Sunday. The area is located on the coast between the Port-au-Port Peninsula and the mouth of the Bay of Islands. At the time, The Canadian Coast Guard also issued a mayday relay to vessels of opportunity in the area.

A spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard confirmed late Sunday evening that their personnel had recovered two deceased crewmembers from the water using a fast rescue craft aboard the CCGS Cape Edenshaw. Due to sea and shoreline conditions, the coast guard ship could not reach the remaining crew on shore, at which time a cormorant was utilized.

According to Captain Trevor Ackland of Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax, four people were rescued by helicopter from a beach near the scene. Those people were airlifted to Lark Harbour and subsequently transported to hospital in Corner Brook by the RCMP and are reported to be in good health.

Sam Anderson, a local fisherman, was also in the area on Sunday and made the initial radio call to the Coast Guard after spotting a capsized boat and a nearby cabin on fire. One of the crewmembers who made it to shore allegedly lit the cabin on fire in an attempt to draw attention and seek help.

Meanwhile, residents of the small Bay of Islands community of Lark Harbour, home to about 500, are left dealing with the shock and grief of the tragedy. The town's community centre was opened for those needing support on Sunday afternoon and will be open again starting at 9 a.m. Monday morning. The Town says they hope to have grief counsellors on site this week as well.

EARLIER STORIES:

Two men are dead following a serious boating accident off the west coast on Sunday.

The Canadian Coast Guard, along with a cormorant helicopter from 5 Wing Gander, were dispatched to an area today known as Molly Ann Cove on the west coast.

It’s not clear at this time which vessel capsized, though BayFM has reached out to the Canadian Coast Guard for comment. RCMP confirmed the incident, though deferred comment to the Coast Guard, who have not yet responded to requests.  

Meanwhile, the small community in the outer Bay of Islands mourns the loss, opening its town hall Sunday evening to those grieving and in need of support.

Earlier story #2
Emergency crews are on scene in Lark Harbour in response to an apparent serious boating accident involving a capsized vessel. 

The Town of Lark Harbour is asking the public to keep away from Park & Youden Road as the situation unfolds. The Canadian Coast Guard, including a Cormorant helicopter are presently on scene.

Though a death has not been verified, the town is opening its town hall at 4:30pm as a gathering spot for residents to support each other in "this time of grief" according to the Town of Lark Harbour Facebook page.

BayFM is attempting to confirm information with officials.

Video courtesy Victoria Young