NORTH CAPE
The search continues off the northwest tip of Prince Edward Island for two fishermen missing since their boat sank Tuesday afternoon. The sinking occurred near the North Cape reef when the fishing boat was on its way back to Tignish from the fall lobster fishing grounds.
A third fisherman on the boat managed to make it to shore near the Wind ‘n Reef Restaurant around 5 p.m. and that was when fishermen and emergency personnel became aware a boat was in trouble. It is believed the known survivor might have been in water, clinging to a cover of a fish tank, for close to two hours.
The search on the water, involving fishing boats from the Skinners Pond and Miminegash areas was concentrated off the south shore, between North Cape and Skinners Pond.
Members of the P.E.I. Ground Search and Rescue team continue to arrive and are searching the shorelines along both coasts.
Sea conditions were quite rough on the North Shore between North Cape and Seacow Pond but were noticeably calmer on the side where the search along the water was largely based. Fishermen believe the wind conditions would have pushed the boat and the missing men up the shore towards Skinners Pond.
Four fishing boats searched the waters later into the night Tuesday, three on the south side and one to the north.
Debris, believed to be from the missing boat, was located near the Phee Shore Tuesday evening.
Community members, including area fishermen and relatives of the missing men, scanned the coastline along North Cape.
The Tignish Fire Department was on scene until 2 in the morning and rejoined the search at daybreak Wednesday. A coast guard ship, a rapid response vessel, a helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft are also participating in the search.
Close to 300 people gathered at St. Simon and St. Jude Church Wednesday morning for a prayer vigil which included prayers for the missing men, the man who made it to shore, their families and the community. A vigil light, lit during a service Tuesday night, will keep burning while the search continues.
