The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is hoping the release of photos of the dinghy and other items found in the water near the Middle Cove lookout will help them learn more about the dinghy’s mysterious appearance on Monday.
The photo also includes personal items found in the overturned dinghy, which was spotted shortly before 6 p.m. on Monday. Those items include a pink sandal with flowery patterns, a blue lifejacket for a child, and a Tecno brand tennis racket.
It is a grey, six-foot Coleman brand rubber dinghy with blue stripes down the side.
“We’re hoping that we’ll be able to identify the owner of that boat to make a determination whether there was or was not a person in it when it overturned,” RNC Const. Suzanne Fitzgerald told The Telegram this morning.
The physical search concluded on Monday without determining whether or not a person was using the dinghy when it overturned. Fitzgerald said it could have drifted from a nearby wharf or a sailboat at sea.
“We need to treat this as seriously as possible until we determine otherwise.”
The major crime unit is continuing to follow up on tips and leads.
Beaches in Middle Cove and Outer Cove were canvassed by the RNC on Monday, and neighbours in the area were also contacted. The Canadian Coast Guard were on hand for the search, and a Cormorant helicopter from Gander scanned the area until dusk.
Anyone who may know the owner of this boat is asked to contact RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
arobinson@thetelegram.com
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