Interesting Globe and Mail Article - May 26, 2005
Halifax -- The crew of a Latvian fishing boat that caught fire off Newfoundland yesterday was rescued by an Icelandic vessel that responded to a call for help.
"The 15 personnel on board have been evacuated and they are now safe on board the Icelandic fishing vessel," said Lieutenant Sue Stefko of the Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax.
The Latvian boat caught fire on the Flemish Cap, about 400 kilometres east of St. John's. The fire was put out but Lt. Stefko said the boat's status was unknown.
Comment:
I find this interesting on a number of fronts.
First let me start by saying that I am very happy that the crew of this vessel are safe and sound. I wouldn't want to see anyone hurt in any way. I do have some concerns about this situation however.
Number one, why was a Latvian fishing vessel fishing on the Flemish Cap, 400 Kilometers off the coast of our province? 400 Kilometers is just a little over 200 miles and just outside our territorial limit.
Number two, isn't it interesting that while there were no Newfoundland fishing boats in the area to come to the rescue, there was an Icelandinc vessel. One could easily make the leap to assume that the Icelandic vessel was also fishing in this area.
Number three, why was there no Canadian Coast Guard presence in the area to come to the rescue? One would think that the Coast Guard would be patroling the area in an effort to protect the Flemish Cap from foriegn overfishing.
Number four, Although the article doesn't state it, the rescued crew was transported to Newfoundland. Will they be questioned on what they were doing in the area, or will it all be swept under the rug as is so often the case?
Just a few points to ponder.
7 comments:
Typical, there's never a cop around when you need one.
It's a wonder there are not more accidents in that area. I would have expected to hear about hundreds of collisions with all of the foriegn vessels out there.
Thanks for making a point of this incident. I have seen news reports on the topic but I never made the connection to the overfishing problem for some reason (DUH). Anyway, thanks for keeping us on our toes.
Good point all!!!
Good points.
A) They should be out there anyway.
B) They will not be questioned, because we manage our Oceans like a bunch of dogs with our tails between our legs
I have been visiting this site for the past few weeks and I have to say I love it!!!
I haven't commented before, but I finally figured I should say something.
I really like the fact that you break down what we all hear about in the news and from other sources in a way that makes me look at things from a different perspective.
I also like the way you keep the feet of our government to the fire and don't let them slip things by us without knowing that someone has noticed.
Great site and I intend to come back often.
Welcome aboard Lisa and I hope you not only visit us often but also that you give us your comments on any subject you are interested in. That's what this site is all about.
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I agree with Lisa, this is a Great Site!!! I've said it before and I'll say it again.
Keep it up.
Thanks to you as well Mike. I know you've been with us from the beginning and I appreciate the support and sentiment.
(Geez, this is starting to sound like a mutual appreciation society)
Just kidding, thanks a lot.
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