RCMP end search for fishermen

Nova Scotia RCMP are ending their search for the missing fisherman from the Chief William Saulis.

On Saturday, the RCMP announced that search activities and supporting investigations by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the Department of Labour and Advanced Education would be concluding, although members of the force would continue to provide family members with support and updates.

The search began early on Dec. 15, 2020 when the scallop dragger's emergency beacon was activated in the Bay of Fundy in rough waters off the coast of Delaps Cove. On board were Capt. Charles Roberts, Aaron Cogswell, Michael Drake, Daniel Forbes, Geno Francis and Leonard Gabriel. Drake's body was recovered on Dec. 15.

The next day, working with Ground Search and Rescue teams and the Department of Lands and Forestry, the RCMP began conducting air and ground searches over the water and along a 55-kilometre stretch of shoreline from Delaps Cove to Margaretsville, in hopes of finding the missing fishermen and any remains of the Chief William Saulis.

On Jan. 16, the boat was located by members of the RCMP underwater recovery team and its B.c.-based National Underwater Recovery Training Centre, with assistance from the Canadian Coast Guard and Transportation Safety Board.

Using side scan sonar, the Chief William Saulis was found upright at a depth of more than 60 metres in the Bay of Fundy, two km offshore from Delaps Cove. Due to its position in waters deeper than the maximum safety limit for the RCMP underwater recovery team, divers were not able to determine whether the fishermen’s remains are on board the vessel.

The RCMP consulted with the Canadian Armed Forces, which conducted a thorough risk analysis. It was determined the risk was too great, and that navy divers would not be able to assist with the search.

In the statement announcing the conclusion of the search, the RCMP says they “recognize the devastation that this tragedy has had on the men’s families and community members who have all demonstrated remarkable resiliency.

“We continue to extend sympathies to the family members.”

It also thanks the many partners who spent many hours over the past five-and-a-half weeks assisting in the search for the missing fishermen and their vessel, often in dangerous waters and hazardous conditions.