Two lobster fishermen from Lamèque, New Brunswick, died after falling overboard off Miscou Island on the Acadian Peninsula, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said. The men, aged 33 and 58, went missing around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.
According to the RCMP, the 58-year-old man was found shortly after falling overboard, while a brief search was required to locate the 33-year-old man. Both fishermen were dead when they were found. The incident occurred about seven kilometers from shore, and a third individual on board the boat did not fall overboard.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre deployed a helicopter, two airplanes, and three boats, along with several local fishing boats, to search for the missing fishermen. The Transport Safety Board of Canada and the provincial coroner are collaborating on the investigation.
The incident occurred on the first day of lobster fishing in Zone 23, which had been delayed for over a week due to poor weather conditions. Local MP Serge Cormier expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the fishermen, stating that fishing has been an integral part of the region’s culture for generations and that the community of Acadie-Bathurst stands with those affected.
