Two men are dead after a fishing boat capsized off the coast of Halifax.
The tragic news was confirmed on Friday afternoon by multiple sources.
Four men were onboard the Fortune Pride when it ran into trouble on Thursday night. It led to a frantic rescue that saved the lives of two others, that have since been released from hospital.
Distress call around 10 p.m.
The distress call came in at about 10:06 p.m., which alerted first responders to the boat’s exact location.
A device known as an EPIRB emergency position-indicating radio beacon helped with the quick response.
The 60-foot fishing vessel, capsized about 23 kilometres south of Halifax.
Three men were rescued on Thursday night while another was pulled from a life raft on Friday.
An Ovatek life raft is pictured here. (ovatek.com)
Ocean conditions were ‘unfavourable’
The water conditions near Sambro were “unfavourable” last night, with heavy snow and some rain and wind in Halifax. That made for low visibility and high swells.
Around 10 p.m. in Halifax, it was about -1 with light snow and low clouds and winds of about 39 km/h, according to a website that tracks past weather.
Fishing community reacts
News of the search is hitting the fishing community hard.
Dan Fleck of the Brazil Rock 33/34 Lobster Association says it’s sent heartbreak across Atlantic Canada.
“These fishermen are all very well known. They have family, friends and colleagues across the Maritimes. We are standing by to offer aid and support, it’s a sad day for sure,” said Fleck.
Fleck says it’s a sad feeling on the wharf, and everyone is reminiscing about them.
He says the fishing community is tight knit and they will stand together.
