The search for two missing fishermen off Mary’s Harbor continues Sunday as residents gather to hope for positive developments.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) confirmed on Sunday morning that the search recovered debris – a blue fishing tank – which they say is linked to the missing vessel, the Lady of the Island.

While the tub is not definitively tied, JRCC Lt.-Cmdr. Brian Owens told CBC News it was likely related and the discovery has refined the search area.

The fishermen were due to disembark at Mary’s Harbor around 5:00 p.m. Friday. Local fishing crews began the search that evening, joined by JRCC and the Canadian Coast Guard.

According to Owens, the search covered about 3,000 square nautical miles on Sunday morning. Several aircraft and ships from the Canadian Coast Guard, PAL Airlines and others are involved in the search.

“The weather had an opening yesterday that we got to see a little bit more in. So we covered a significant area and hiked different areas a second and third time as well,” Owens told CBC News. Sunday.

Owens said the provincial government and a significant number of local ships have also assisted in the search, which has significantly improved search capabilities.

Several ships were on the water Saturday night after Dwight Russell, whose son is with the Lady of the island the crew, called the fishermen in the area to help with the search.

Vigils organized across NL on Saturday evening

As the water research continued, several vigils were held in communities across southern Labrador and other parts of the province to pray for the safe return of fishermen.

“This horrible ordeal with these two missing boys … has not only affected families, it has affected all communities along our coast. Everyone is part of the family,” said Ida Powell, who has hosted a prayer service at the Charlottetown Wharf.

“When I left there I just felt at peace. I just felt we had to do something. And from the turnout we had there, it was obvious that all these people were feeling the same thing.”

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Powell said many locals were in shock over the weekend as the families involved are so connected to the surrounding communities.

The two minutes of silence she organized took place on the Charlottetown wharf in front of Dwight Russell’s boat, the Miss McKenzie. Powell said Mary’s Harbor, St. Lewis, Port Hope Simpson, Red Bay, L’Anse-au-Loop, Cartwright and Happy Valley-Goose Bay have followed suit with their own ceremonies.

“I felt the presence of God. That’s how I felt. I felt that my prayer to Heavenly Heavenly Father was kind of consoling families… it gave me hope,” she said. .

“Everyone was on that pier, and I’m willing to bet that in those other communities that I mentioned, it was the same. It’s the close connection.”

Owens said the search would continue throughout Sunday, with the hopes that the men would still be present.

“We are still hoping to find these individuals. But for the rest of the day, our intention is to keep looking until we find them,” he added.

“We are going until there really is no other option … At the moment, we cannot rule out any possibility, and we must continue as full search and rescue.”

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