The family of a fisherman who died off the coast of Mary’s Harbour, on Labrador’s coast, have taken their calls for action and an inquiry into vessel safety to Ottawa.
Jeanette and Dwight Russell met with a variety of ministers in a series of meetings earlier this month. Their son, Marc Russell, and his crewmate Joey Jenkins were reported missing Sept. 17, 2021, when their vessel, the Island Lady, did not return to report.
The search was clouded with allegations from the families of a lack of co-ordination by governments and that the search was ended too soon. The RCMP called off the search after 10 days.
Now the couple has met with several MPs, calling for a federal commission of inquiry into fishing vessel safety. The couple say an inquiry would force everyone involved to be at the table and would result in recommendations for change.
The family is calling for 5 Wing Goose Bay military base to become a search and rescue centre, for fast rescue stations to be located in Labrador, for emergency beacons to be required on all vessels and for a review of the standards set for fishing vessels.