February 21, 2013, Halifax, Nova Scotia . . . The RCMP has received assistance from the Department of National Defence in furthering our efforts to locate the Miss Ally. As a result, three aircraft patrolled in vicinity of the Miss Ally’s last known position throughout the morning and afternoon.
A Canadian Armed Forces CC130 SAR Hercules joined aircraft from Transport Canada, and Provincial Airlines to patrol an area more than 1,700 square km with no sighting of the intact capsized hull. Instead, small items of debris were spotted within a 5 nautical miles (nm) grouping and concentrated 10 nm east of Miss Ally’s last known position. Initial analysis of the photos taken during the patrol suggests it is likely these items are from the Miss Ally (attached photos).
“We continue to exhaust all efforts in support of the RCMP and our thoughts and prayers are with the families,” noted Rear-Admiral Dave Gardam, Commander of Joint Task Force Atlantic.
This evening the RCMP gathered the families of the missing men to provide them with the most current update. In addition, the families were given photos from this afternoon’s surveillance flights.
“This is devastating to the families and to the entire community. These men were deeply loved and the loss of young lives will impact the hearts and souls of the fishers and their community for many years to come,” expressed RCMP Superintendent Sylvie Bourassa-Muise, District Policing Officer, Southwest Nova Scotia.
Tonight, two RCMP members boarded the Canadian Coast Guard vessel, Sir William Alexander, alongside the Canadian Coast Guard crew. The Sir William Alexander left Halifax to steam towards the area where the debris field was spotted. The vessel is being deployed to provide safety and security on the water and is prepared to stand-by until further plans are developed.
Tomorrow, Friday, February 22nd, the Department of National Defence will conduct an additional over flight of the last known position of the site of debris.
The RCMP continues to operate its Mobile Command Centre outside the Community Centre in Wood’s Harbour as a base of operations. The RCMP has made available Chaplain’s, Counselors, and representatives from RCMP Victim Services to provide support and assistance to the families, friends and the larger community.