MURRAY HARBOUR, P.E.I. – The community of Murray Harbour is in mourning after two men died during a collision between two fishing boats on Saturday, says a pastor from the area.
Pastor Scott Herring, of Murray Harbour Baptist Church, said there’s a feeling of devastation that’s come over the community.
Residents are showing their support to one another through phone calls and visits, he said.
“As a congregation, we held prayers for the whole community. People are reaching out to one another to offer supports behind the scenes, it’s happening in different forms,” he said. “But there’s devastation.”
Cpl. Gregg Garrett of the Kings District RCMP said the two fishing vessels collided while about nine kilometres offshore of southeastern P.E.I. on Saturday. Only one of the boats was able to be returned to shore.
The collision occurred between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
There was a somber feeling around Beach Point wharf on Saturday as members of the community quietly hung around well into the afternoon while officials conducted their investigation.
One fisherman said he didn’t know many details and didn’t want to ask too much about the incident because he was scared to find out the answers.
Garrett said RCMP have notified the victims’ family members.
Murray Harbour Fire Department and Island EMS also responded to the collision.
On Saturday, an RCMP spokesperson said officers were still in the preliminary stages of an investigation.
Officials with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Transport Canada and Victim Services were also at the wharf on Saturday.
The Guardian was unable to reach RCMP or Transport Canada on Sunday for an update to the investigation.
Initial report:
MURRAY HARBOUR, P.E.I. – Two individuals have died after being involved in a fishing boat collision Saturday morning.
RCMP confirmed two men died following the collision, which occured about six miles offshore between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Murray Harbour Fire Department and RCMP both responded to the collision.
An RCMP spokesperson said officers are still in the preliminary stages of an investigation.
Family members of the victims have been notified.
The Guardian will have more details on this story as it develops.
