A small group of people protested outside the Canadian Coast Guard in St. John’s this morning calling for greater search and rescue resources in Labrador on the fourth anniversary of the loss of the Island Lady.
Marc Russell and Joey Jenkins on the Island Lady (Submitted)
The fishing vessel disappeared off the southeast coast of Labrador in Septemeber of 2021 claiming the lives of Marc Russell and Joey Jenkins.
Their bodies have never been found.
Jeannette Russel protesting outside the Canadian Coast Guard in St. John’s (VOCM News)
Vessels of opportunity not sufficient says bereaved mother
Marc’s mother Jeannette Russell has become an outspoken advocate for a SAR base in Labrador.
“They (Coast Guard officials) truly believe it’s not needed. They really do believe that vessels of opportunity are sufficient to meet the needs in Labrador,” she says.
“Vessels of opportunity were not sufficient on the day that I lost my son.”
Search and Rescue stations based in Port Aux Choix and St. Anthony, currently serve Labrador. The Coast Guard also has auxiliary units in Labrador, but Russell says that doesn’t go far enough.
It also a concern for the FFAW.
Labrador fish harvesters left with ‘no help’ says union
“It’s totally ridiculous this day and age, they’re down there with no help basically, from the government. If you’re out on the water and you have an accident, your life depends on how far you can swim or how long you can tread water,” says Inshore Vice-President with the FFAW. Jason Sullivan.
“It’s not right. Those people first and foremost need a helicopter. I know the lifeboat stations are great and they will help, they need a chopper that can get to them quick.”
Russell says she’ll continue her fight, to prevent a tragedy like the one that claimed the lives of her son and Jenkins never happens again.
