The Department of Justice and Public Safety is calling for “immediate action” from Ottawa to improve federal search and rescue operations in Labrador.

The call comes after an impassioned plea from Jeanette Russell of Mary’s Harbour whose son Marc and his crewmate Joey Jenkins, were lost following the disappearance of the Island Lady last year.

Federal Minister Joyce Murray was non-committal when questioned on increased search and rescue capacity in Labrador during a visit to St. John’s last week.

The provincial department says discussions have been held with the federal government about operational issues on the coast of Labrador and the need to establish aircraft, vessels and other resources in the region.