Mr. Speaker, I find myself once again talking about a tragedy in West Nova and commemorating lives lost.
On December 15, the Chief William Saulis, a scallop dragger out of Yarmouth, sank in the Bay of Fundy. Lost were Captain Charles Roberts and fishermen Michael Drake, Daniel Forbes, Geno Francis and Leonard Gabriel. There is always a danger of losing lives at sea. Sadly, these six hard-working men lost their lives providing for their families.
While the RCMP and Coast Guard have found the sunken vessel in 60 metres of water, only one body has been returned for burial.
Less than a month later, on January 10, search and rescue was called to the small community of Morris Island, where Kenneth Surette and his wife Noreen disappeared while visiting their camp on a neighbouring island. Searchers found Noreen's body, but it took fishers a few days to find Kenneth's.
We need to thank the Canadian Forces search and rescue ground search and rescue teams, the Coast Guard, the RCMP and the hundreds of volunteers who supported the efforts and the families during this difficult time.
We need to remain Nova Scotia strong. May they all rest in peace.