The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the crew member from Harbour Breton who was taken from us earlier this week while fishing scallops off the province’s south coast.

Many brave people from Newfoundland and Labrador have died while earning a living at sea to support their families and communities. This loss will leave a permanent void in the lives of family, friends and everyone with a connection to our province’s fishing sector. Given the close proximity to the Christmas season, this tragic loss will be even more difficult to deal with.

This incident is a reminder that while fishing is a noble occupation, working at sea comes with many risks each and every time one heads out to the fishing grounds.

My thoughts are also with the two survivors at this time. I am confident our province’s tight knit fishing community will continue to provide support while they mourn the loss of a dear friend and partner.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca