People from across Newfoundland and Labrador are offering their condolences in the wake of a tragedy at sea. The four-man crew of the Sarah Anne left St. Lawrence on Sunday, never to be heard from again.
Three bodies were recovered on Tuesday—those of Ed Norman, Scott Norman, and Jody Norman. However, an intensive search continued into Wednesday for the fourth crewman—Isaac Kettle.
After an intensive search spanning 650 nautical miles, the Canadian Coast Guard issued a statement that the search will come to an end as of 8:45, Wednesday evening. The Coast Guard says they regretfully believe there is no reasonable chance for survival after that point. The incident will then be turned over to the RCMP as a missing person case.
(CCGS Ann Harvey, courtesy Canadian Coast Guard.)
Coast Guard officials are thanking all the volunteers who joined the search effort, and send their condolences to the loved ones of all four crew members aboard the Sarah Anne, and the entire community of St. Lawrence.
Meanwhile, messages of condolence and heartfelt stories reflecting the four souls lost at sea are being shared by those who knew them.
The Mayor of St. Lawrence says this is a devastating time in his close-knit community.
The tragedy has affected three young families, with six children who have lost someone close to them.
Pike says the community is trying to find a way forward and support the families affected at this unusual time.
(Courtesy Lisa Loder.)
Minister Carol Anne Haley—who represents the district of Burin-Grand Bank—reflected on the difficult time now facing the people of St. Lawrence.
“They were fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, nephews, grandsons and friends ……people who were an integral part of the Town of St. Lawrence. They were people who loved and were loved.”
She says that in times of loss such as this, communities come together and become family, to grieve and comfort together.
Fisheries and Land Resources Minister Gerry Byrne extends his condolences to the families of the fishermen, as well as the community of St. Lawrence.
He says it’s a stark reminder that those who work on the water to support their families and communities do so by putting their lives at risk. He’s confident that the community will rally to support one another. Byrne offers his thanks to the Canadian Coast Guard and everyone who has supported the search efforts for the four men.
(Courtesy Lisa Loder.)
PC Leader Ches Crosbie and his party are offering their condolences to the Town of St. Lawrence and to the families of the fishermen lost on Monday.
Crosbie says for over 500 years we have taken from the sea. On Monday, the sea took back. He calls it an unspeakable tragedy for a community that has seen its share of loss and personal pain for families one cannot begin to comprehend.
On behalf of his caucus and party, Crosbie offers their collective thoughts and prayers to the community and the families affected.
Prayers going 🙏 out to the families and to my hometown of St. Lawrence, NL as they deal with the tradegy surrounding the loss of the fishing boat Sarah Anne. #lostatsea #sendingprayers #strengthtothefamilies #stateofshock pic.twitter.com/DfXXxmrJZy
— Gord Dunphy (@GordDunphy) May 26, 2020
Our thoughts are with the families,friends and people of St Lawrence.
Sincerest condolences to the families and friends of our fish harvesters at this time.
Thousands of FFAW-Unifor families are thinking of you. An entire province’s heart breaks and grieves your tragic loss
— Keith Sullivan (@KSullivanFFAW) May 27, 2020
To the families and friends of those lost, three of which were from one family, please know that we share in your grief and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
— Premier of NL (@PremierofNL) May 27, 2020
All Newfoundland and Labrador today is feeling the loss at sea of four fishermen in St. Lawrence.
Our hearts go out to these four men and their families and loved ones at this sad time.
— Jack Harris (@JackHarrisNDP) May 27, 2020
On behalf of @CityofStJohns our thoughts and prayers are with the residents of St.Lawrence, Mayor Pike, council, the families and friends of those impacted by this tragedy. @MunicipalNL
— Mayor Danny Breen 🇨🇦 (@DannyBreenNL) May 27, 2020
