The crew on two of what was originally four stranded boats were facing what appeared to be days offshore. However, a shift in the ice allowed the captains to get home a short while ago.
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LA SCIE, NL — Two of the crab fishing boats remain stranded in thick ice off the coastline near La Scie, and reports are there is no immediate resolve to get them home.
There were four boats stuck Wednesday. One of them, the Avalon Princess, took on water and five men were airlifted off the ice by a search and rescue crew on a Cormorant helicopter. Another boat has since been able to return to La Scie.
The Canadian Coast Guard had planned to send an icebreaker to assist the stranded vessels, but was unable to reach the ships because of the thick ice. The coast guard will not be able to assist until conditions improve — something that may now take days.
Lawson (Lot) Sacrey of Baie Verte is the captain of one of the still stranded boats. Wednesday, the fisherman was not concerned for their safety while stuck in the ice, but was disappointed not to be able to start fishing. Thick sea ice has prevented the boats from access to the crab grounds, and many harvesters and plant workers have gone without income for months.
Previous report.
Sacrey said Wednesday he felt they had no choice but attempt to get through the ice and start their fishing season. He said fishers are desperate.
The Norwester will attempt to continue updates on the situation.
