Authorities in Cape Breton are praising community members for pulling together during and after a rescue this weekend that ended with one fisherman saved and another drowned.
RCMP say they got a call around 12:15 p.m. on Sunday that someone had spotted an overturned boat on the Bras d’Or Lake just offshore of the Eskasoni First Nation.
Local resident Charlene Paul says she knew something was wrong when she saw what looked like a capsized boat, and she called 911.
"To me, it looked like the overturned boat, like something shiny, reflecting. And there was a black thing sticking out. I assumed it was a boat motor. And someone laying on top of the boat,” Paul said.
Search and rescue aircraft could soon be seen combing the lake’s waters.
Police say it all began around 10 a.m. when the boat of two local fishermen capsized while they were checking lobster traps.
One of the men was able to climb up onto the overturned boat while the other man started swimming toward a small island, falling out of sight a short time later, police say.
Later on, the man who stayed with the boat stood up on it, waving for help, and was eventually rescued by Eskasoni residents.
Around 3:20 p.m. that afternoon, a body was spotted by helicopter crews floating near the scene of the accident, which was later recovered and identified as that of the other fisherman, a 31-year-old man from Eskasoni.
Police are not releasing the victim’s name, but say their investigation points to this being just a tragic accident.
"At this time, police don't believe that foul play was a factor in this accident, and there's nothing to suggest that alcohol was a factor,” said RCMP spokesperson Staff Sgt. Dan Morrow.
Morrow praised the roleplayed by community members during and after the emergency response.
“Right from the start, throughout, and then even afterwards, after the person was recovered, the community supported the family in their grieving,” he said.
Eskasoni residents say the dead fisherman leaves behind a young family, including a new baby on the way.
"Outstanding person in the community. He was a fisherman. He had a big family,” said Arin Stevens of the Eskasoni Fire Department.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald
