The CEO of the company that owns the Atlantic Destiny says they are relieved all crew members onboard the vessel are safe.
Ocean Choice’s Martin Sullivan says they are now in the process of being reunited with their families and loved ones after a long night on the water.
All of the 31 crew members were lifted off the vessel and are now safely on shore. Sullivan also confirmed the ship has sunk in waters near Georges Bank.
“While we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our offshore fishing vessels we are extremely relieved and thankful that all of our 31 crew members were safely transported ashore and are currently in the process of reuniting with their families and loved ones,” said Martin Sullivan, CEO, Ocean Choice. “At this time the Company extends a heartfelt thank you to the Canadian and United States Coast Guards as well as the crews of the Cape LaHave, Maude Adams, Atlantic Preserver and Atlantic Protector for their collective efforts to ensure the safety of our crew.”
A fire broke out on the vessel Tuesday night which led to a mayday call and the ship began taking on water. A dramatic rescue took place overnight in brutal conditions about 120 nautical miles south of Yarmouth.
“We’re are just so proud of how the crew handled everything and we have a very experienced Captain and crew,” Sullivan explained in a interview. “We had a terrible night. Weather conditions with six to eight metre seas, 50 knots of wind and trying to deal with this in the dark of night…I have to give huge credit to them and their professionalism.”
An investigation into the cause of the incident will take place and Sullivan says the company will be fully cooperating with all regulatory authorities.
The Atlantic Destiny is one of Ocean Choice’s six offshore fishing vessels.
The vessel harvests frozen sea scallops; and Riverport, Nova Scotia is its port of call. At the time of the incident the vessel was in the Georges Bank area.