OTTAWA – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today issued the following statement:
I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of the crewmembers of L'Acadien II. I also recognize how difficult the incident was for the crew of the CCGS Sir William Alexander and the crew of theMadelinot War Lord. Loss of life and harrowing experiences at sea are a tragedy for all involved.
Following the capsizing of L'Acadien II on March 29th, 2008, several investigations were commissioned in order to better understand what exactly happened as well as to offer recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Today, I received the final report of the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). The TSB undertook an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and any factors that may have contributed to it. I will read the report carefully. I have also asked the Coast Guard to carefully analyse the findings and recommendations made in this report. This work will begin right away and the Coast Guard will take all the necessary steps to ensure safety in its operations.
I understand that the independent investigator, retired Rear Admiral Girouard who was appointed by my predecessor, has almost completed his work. I expect to receive his report shortly. He will also make the report available to families and survivors, and crew members of L'Acadien II prior to its public release.
The Government of Canada will make all reports on this incident available to the public.
Questions about the TSB and their investigation should be directed to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada at 819-994-8053.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537
Ann Matejicka
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, 613-992-3474
