Mr. Speaker, we pray that potentially tragic news received today may still be turned to triumph.
A more than serious situation is currently unfolding at sea in the north Atlantic, as 17 souls are believed to be struggling for their very lives in icy and turbulent waters.
At 9 a.m. this morning, a marine distress call was received from an offshore helicopter ferrying crews to the floating Sea Rose platform working the White Rose field 315 kilometres at sea. At this hour, there is hope, prayer and unstoppable resolve to use every available resource, every asset available to us to save these souls. That, and that alone, must command us now.
We are fearless and tearless until each and every man is brought home and accounted for.
As mariners, we are strengthened by the knowledge that one member of the 18-man crew has been found safe and has been returned home. Where there is one, there may be others.
I am assured that every resource, every available asset has been deployed for this rescue.
Let the House offer to the families of those in peril at this hour our very prayer. We are with them this day.