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.