4 survivors of capsizing believed to be in good condition
Four people who survived the capsizing of a 23-foot fishing vessel on Sunday were in good condition when they were rescued from the rugged shoreline of Newfoundland's west coast, says the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
According to a DFO statement late Sunday, all four survivors were picked up by a military helicopter near Molly Ann Cove, south of Lark Harbour.
Two others were found dead in the water by members of the Canadian Coast Guard ship Cape Edensaw.
"Our thoughts are with all involved, and we send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased," said department spokesperson Susan Keough.
It's believed the four survivors were able to swim to shore, where they lit a cabin on fire to catch the attention of searchers in the area.
CCGS Cape Edensaw was dispatched from nearby Lark Harbour and launched a fast rescue craft into the water. The crew soon recovered the two bodies and spotted the survivors on the shoreline.
The fast rescue craft couldn't get near to them due to the rocky shoreline and rough sea conditions, said Keough, so they turned the rescue over to the Cormorant helicopter out of Gander.
The helicopter was able to touch down nearby and get the survivors on board. They were sent to hospital.
Both the helicopter and the coast guard vessel have since returned to their home bases.
The incident has drawn condolences from across the province, from government officials and members of the fishing industry. Gudie Hutchings, the area's member of Parliament, said both of the deceased were young men.
"All the love and prayers in the world are needed now for the families and the Lark Harbour community and fishing communities everywhere," she wrote in a social media post.
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