On December 15th, 2020, an extensive search operation was underway for 6 missing crew members of The Chief William Saulis, scallop dragger.
The vessel, which was returning from scallop fishing, had transmitted its Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to JRCC Halifax just 12 nautical miles from Digby.
Search efforts were activated when contact could not be made with the vessel.
Several Ground Search & Rescue Teams, Agencies, boats, helicopters and aircraft spent days in harsh weather conditions searching for the missing crew.
One crew member was located deceased during the search efforts and to this day, the remaining 5 crew members are unaccounted for.
On January, 16th, 2021, the vessel was located by the Canadian Coast Guard and RCMP while using side scan sonar and a remotely operated vehicle.
The vessel was located approximately 2 nautical miles from the shore of Delaps Cove, Nova Scotia, in 66 meters (200 feet) of water.
Visibility and manoeuverability were limited because of the tide, and the remotely operated vehicle was not able to determine the disposition of the vessel or access the interior.
Due to safety and tides, it was not possible for divers to search the vessel or recover the dragger.
Our thoughts remain with all those impacted by this tragedy.
(File Photos from Dec 2020)
Adrian J.
