Four crew members are safe after their lobster fishing vessel capsized off the coast of Hackett’s Cove on the opening day of the lobster fishing season.
Maj. Amber Bineau with Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre (JRCC) says the vessel in Lobster Fishing Area 33 sunk shortly after the beginning of Dumping Day. JRCC was not directly involved in the rescue operation.
Lobster Fishing Area 33, which extends from Halifax to the southwestern tip of the province, was set to open at 7 a.m. Saturday.
READ MORE: Fishermen set to dump traps as lucrative lobster season opens off N.S.
Fishermen on a nearby vessel were able to rescue the four fishermen on board, all of whom were wearing life-jackets. The fishermen noticed water starting to flood their boat and were making their way back, however they were forced to jump off the boat about 300 metres from shore.
The crew, consisting of brothers Roy and Stephen Fralick as well as two other crewmen, were visibly shaken but unharmed. They say more than 100 lobster traps that were on the boat are now at the bottom of the cove.
They’re unsure why the vessel sank, as they say it was completely fit over the summer.
READ MORE: Start of Nova Scotia’s lobster fishing season postponed due to weather
The coast guard was also on hand following the sinking. They say the incident caused a small oil spill, but major environmental damage isn’t expected.
The boat is currently upright and sitting near the dock.
—With files from Elizabeth McSheffrey
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