Ferry crew rescues fishermen
The crew of the MV Leif Ericson jumped into action late Monday night after receiving a distress call from a Nova Scotia fishing vessel.
Darrell Mercer, corporate communication officer for Marine Atlantic, says the Ericson received the first call from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre based out of Halifax.
“There was a fishing vessel approximately 50 miles south of Port aux Basques that needed assistance,” he said.
At the time the closest vessel to the fishing boat was the Ericson, which was en route to Port aux Basques. The Ericson immediately altered course to respond. Mercer confirmed the crew is trained in search and rescue.
“When they arrived, the vessel was in distress and it was on fire,” Mercer said. “Three of the individuals that were on the fishing boat were in the water and they were in their survival suits.”
The crew of the Ericson pulled the three people from the water and transported them to Port aux Basques. One man was taken to hospital for a medical evaluation and later released. All three then headed home to Nova Scotia on board the Ericson.
“I understand it was very stressful,” Mercer says of the ordeal.
“It’s certainly not something any of us would want to face.”
Mercer says the weary Ericson crew is getting some much-needed rest after a long and stressful night, but Marine Atlantic is happy with the outcome of their efforts.
“The training came in handy last night and we were able to save these three individuals,” says Mercer. “It was a great job done by all.”