The unforgiving sea has claimed the lives of two fishermen off the northeast coast. But the toll could have been even heavier.

Three men were fishing near the small community of Harbour Round off the Baie Verte Peninsula yesterday afternoon when their boat overturned. Two of them did not make it but one was picked up by a passing vessel.

Area MHA Lin Paddock says one of the men who perished and the one who was rescued were brothers.

“I can’t imagine what the brother who survived is going through. It opens wounds across some other communities like Fleur-de-Lys where we had a loss a few years ago as well,” says Paddock.

Paddock is confident that the people of the Cape St. John Peninsula will rally around during this difficult time.

“There’ll be another day for an investigation, but for the next few days, it’s about embracing the families and Harbour Round and surrounding communities.”