Advertisement

Search underway off coast of P.E.I. for fisherman who fell overboard

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre is assisting in attempting to locate a missing fisherman off P.E.I. Andrew Vaughn/The Canadian Press

An extensive search was launched Tuesday off the northeast coast of Prince Edward Island after a lobster fisherman was reported overboard.

A spokesman with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax said it was notified shortly before 5:30 a.m. that a 22-year-old man was in the water off the coast near Naufrage, P.E.I.

Major Mark Norris said a 911 call was received from someone on the boat.

READ MORE: Fisherman’s body recovered from lake in Musquodoboit Harbour

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“There were about 40 boats there when the incident occurred, and they’ve been out there searching since 5:30 this morning,” Norris said.

He said that number quickly increased to about 50, including a boat from the St. Peter’s Fire Dept., a Coast Guard cutter out of Souris, and a number of other area vessels tasked to assist in the search area.

Story continues below advertisement

Officials have not released the name of the missing fisherman.

READ MORE: Police investigating accidental death at Dartmouth hotel

The RCMP set up a command post and people are searching the shoreline.

RCMP Staff-Sgt. Howard Fitzpatrick said weather conditions were deteriorating by mid-afternoon as fog reduced visibility.

Norris said the waters are about six degrees Celsius, and officials don’t believe the man was wearing a flotation device.

 

Sponsored content

AdChoices