This afternoon I spoke with His Excellency, Alfredo Martinez, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Canada, and directly passed along condolences on behalf of the people of the province on the loss of crew members from the Villa de Pitanxo, which sank late last night. Crew members from this vessel came from Spain, Peru and Ghana.

Like the people of Spain, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a historic attachment to the sea. An attachment that is fruitful, but which all too often results in tragedy.

I understand federal search and rescue authorities remain actively involved in the search for survivors, and our province continues to hope that more of the ship’s crew will be found alive.

Our thoughts are with the families of the crew members and we share their grief.

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Media contact
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca