November 13, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today issued the following statement today in response to the release of the Transportation Safety Board’s final report following its investigation into the May 18, 2013, sinking of the fishing vessel Marie J, near McEachern’s Point, New Brunswick:
"We were deeply saddened by the tragic accident that happened at McEachern’s Point in May of last year. Since then, I have travelled to Tabusintac and I have met with the MacEachern’s Point Harbour Authority and have seen how the tragedy has impacted the community.
I want to take this opportunity to extend our Government’s deepest condolences again to the families who lost loved ones. Our thoughts continue to be with them and the communities touched by the loss of the three men who died.
The Department has received the Transportation Safety Board’s report. We are reviewing its findings carefully. I believe this report is important in helping to understand how industry and the Government can learn from this and further enhance the safety of mariners in the future.
I believe this is an opportunity to engage in a dialogue and to work closely with the provinces and the fishing industry to promote greater industry safety and would like to reiterate our Government’s commitment to working with all concerned in this regard.”
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Note to media regarding spelling: The geographic location is called McEachern’s Point. The incorporated name of the harbour authority is MacEachern’s Point Harbour Authority.
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
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