Canadian Navy sailor dies after boat capsizes in Halifax's Bedford Basin
Sailors were operating a boat that overturned on Friday night
A sailor with the Royal Canadian Navy has died after their rigid-hull inflatable boat capsized in Halifax's Bedford Basin on Friday night.
According to a statement from the Maritime Forces, two sailors were operating the vessel when it overturned around 10 p.m. AT.
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax carried out a rescue with ships that were dispatched from the Canadian Coast Guard. The two sailors in the boat were pulled from the water and brought to Mill Cove jetty, where paramedics transferred them to the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.
One sailor was treated and released from the hospital the same night. The other sailor could not be resuscitated.
The statement said the sailor's name is not being released at this time out of respect for their family.
"We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our sailor. Their dedication and service to our country will always be remembered and honoured. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and fellow sailors during this difficult time," Commodore Jacob French, commander of Canadian Fleet Atlantic, said in the statement.
Military police are investigating. A spokesperson for the navy declined an interview request.
On Sunday, Gov. Gen. and Commander-in-Chief Mary Simon extended her condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the sailor who died. She also said her thoughts are with the sailor who survived.
"This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks our members of the Canadian Armed Forces face every day to protect our nation," Simon said in a statement. "We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering dedication and service to Canada.
"I also want to express my sincere gratitude to all the first responders who bravely assisted in the rescue efforts."
