Premier, Opposition Leader say thoughts and prayers with families and friends of three missing Labrador men

In separate news releases, Premier Danny Williams and Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones said their thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of three missing Labrador men who are presumed dead after a boating accident near Muskrat Falls on the Churchill River earlier this week.
"On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the three young men involved in the boating incident on the Churchill River in Labrador," Williams said. "Our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with them during this time of unimaginable pain and sorrow. I pray there is closure to this horrific accident, and that they find strength and peace through the memories they have of their loved ones."
The three young men were residents of Labrador and students of the College of the North Atlantic in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and were to have graduated today from the millwright's program. The college today announced it has postponed its graduation ceremonies in light of this tragedy.
"The Labrador region is gripped in disbelief and grief by this tragedy and it has left all of us shaken and solemn," Jones said. "The magnitude of our collective grief is all the more profound because in small towns, everyone knows everyone and the heartbreak and the devastation is hitting each and every one of us.
"These men were true sons of Labrador as they held a strong passion and love for the land and the sea. They grew up honing their hunting and fishing skills and spent a great deal of time in boats and on snowmobiles. They had a special bond to this place that brought them a great deal of inspiration and fulfillment. They were also very compassionate and caring young men with close-knit family and community connections. On behalf of the people in the District of Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair, I hope they find solace and strength from all those who support and care for them as they face this ordeal."
Williams said the province's thoughts and prayers are also with the brave women and men who continue with the recovery mission.
"I would like to thank all those members of the RCMP, search and rescue as well as the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly during this past week," Williams said. "The tragedy has deeply touched the community and the entire province, and it is comforting to see the level of help and support provided to the families during this difficult time."