Flare helps save fishing crew in fog
17/07/2020
A fishing crew fired flares to alert emergency services after their boat ran aground in Canada in fog.
The Canadian Coast Guard marine centre in Port aux Basques received a distress call after the 40-foot fishing vessel, Exploits Navigator, got into trouble in Trinity Bay, in Newfoundland and Labrador early one morning in July.
The five fishing crew on board took to a life raft and were recused by the Coast Guard vessel Sacred Bay after using a flare to signal their position, as the fog made it more difficult. The CCG auxiliary vessel, CCGA Southport Rider, and also the cormorant helicopter out of Gander assisted.
The Coast Guard response team used a small dingy to transfer the five individuals from the life raft. The helicopter stood by in case needed.
The five were later taken to Hickman’s Harbour and were reported to be in good health, according to NTV.
The search and rescue operation was overseen by the Marine Rescue Sub Centre in St. John’s, while JRCC Halifax coordinated the air aid.
The Canadian Coast Guard says safety equipment, including the flare and the life raft, contributed to the successful outcome.
The image shows Sacred Bay.
