The Fleet Safety and Security Branch of the Canadian Coast Guard Fleet Directorate investigated this occurrence for the purpose of improving the Safety and Security Management System in identifying system failures or shortfalls and making recommendations to reduce the chance of recurrence of a similar event. It is not the function of the investigation team to assign fault or recommend any disciplinary action.
On November 04, 2007, while in transit back to the pier after conclusion of support to an authorized Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Rigid Hull Inflatable Operational Training (RHIOT) exercise in Inner Newman Sound, Bonavista Bay (Newfoundland and Labrador Region), the CCG Auxiliary (CCGA) Fishing Vessel Sea Urchin rolled over. The three persons onboard were thrown into the water and recovered by the CCG Fast Rescue Craft (FRC). The CCGA vessel owner later died.
This report makes reference to the Contribution Agreements between the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the CCGA Corporations. While quotes in the report are from the recently signed agreements between DFO and the six CCGA Corporations (March 28, 2008), some wording might differ from the previous agreements but is deemed to have the same intent.
Release date: February 3rd, 2009
Prepared by:
Gary B. Sidock
Director General, Fleet
Mario Pelletier
Director, Fleet Safety & Security
(subsequently promoted to
Director, Priority Projects,
Integrated Technical Services)