NAUFRAGE, P.E.I. — While the search continues for missing P.E.I. fisherman Jordan Hicken, local fishermen are hauling in his family’s lobster traps and keeping a close eye on the waters.
The fishing community around Naufrage Harbour have come together to support Jordan Hicken’s family during the difficult days since the young man went missing.
“It’s great support,” said Hicken’s great-aunt Lillian MacKenzie, who joined the ground search on Saturday. “People care. They’re all one big happy family here, all the fishermen.”
Hicken, 22, of Lower Montague was fishing with his father when he ended up in the frigid water near Naufrage before 5:30 a.m. on May 21.
Kings District RCMP is leading the official search for the missing fisherman from East Point to Savage Harbour.
RCMP used drones Saturday in hopes of finding Hicken but to no avail.
“It’s gut-wrenching for the family,” said MacKenzie. “It’s four or five days now. It becomes an unending pain.”
Local fishermen in the search areas have been keeping an eye on the waters as they continue working.
“We’re all keeping our eyes open and safety measures have improved,” said 27-year fishing veteran Ian MacKinnon who docks his boat “Y’Knot” in Naufrage Harbour.
“I put PFDs in the boat. We wear them from now on.”
His father, David MacKinnon, has been fishing for 56 years and his first time putting on a personal floatation device was after Hicken went missing.
“I never had one on and I guess it takes something like this to have one,” he said.
He said members of the fishing community have been in shock since the young fisherman went missing.
“They’re hardly even talking,” said David.
P.E.I. Fisherman’s Association president Robert Jenkins said everybody’s thoughts and hearts are with the family.
“When we lose somebody in this industry it affects us all,” he said. “Our hearts and everything right now is for the loved ones.”
Hicken is a big hockey fan and enjoys watching horse racing with his father, Trevor.
“Jordan is very happy go lucky,” said MacKenzie. “He loves horses. He was right into horse racing, him and his father both. He and his father are like best buddies. He was in hockey, he was a fisherman. Everybody loves Jordan.”
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