Two of the four people aboard a fishing vessel that capsized off Nova Scotia have died, the boat’s owner says.
Jose Teixeira said the Fortune Pride and her crew were were returning from the fishing grounds Thursday night when the incident happened.
He said the captain and a deckhand died and the two other crew on board have been released from hospital.
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Halifax responded just after 10 p.m. after an emergency radio beacon was activated 18 kilometres southeast of Sambro, N.S.
Lt.-Cmdr. Len Hickey of JRCC told Global News two rescue vessels were deployed, along with a Cormorant helicopter from CFB Greenwood and a Hercules fixed wing aircraft from 424 Squadron based out of CFB Trenton.
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One of the rescue vessels recovered three fishers, one of whom was unconscious. They were taken to hospital by ambulance.
The search for the fourth crew member continued until Friday morning. Hickey said that crew member was found in a life raft by search and rescue technicians, and was unresponsive when taken onboard a Cormorant helicopter.
Hickey said the weather conditions Thursday night were not favourable, with “low visibility and high swells.”
A spokesperson with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada said a team has been sent to the area to investigate the incident.
In an emailed statement, Teixeira extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the fishermen who lost their lives.
“This devastating loss has profoundly affected our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
“The brave individuals we lost were not just skilled fishermen; they were fathers, sons, brothers, and friends whose lives touched many. Their dedication to their work and their families will always be remembered.”
— with files from The Canadian Press and Global News’ Heidi Petracek and Jake Webb
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