Search suspended off coast of P.E.I. for fisherman who fell overboard

NAUFRAGE, P.E.I. -- The search for a lobster fisherman reported missing off the northeast coast of Prince Edward Island has been suspended.

The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Halifax ended the official search Tuesday, just before 8 p.m., saying three aircraft and 60 vessels had taken part in the operation near Naufrage, P.E.I.

The 22-year-old fisherman was reported missing earlier in the day, shortly before 5:30 a.m.

His name was not released.

A military spokesman says a 911 call was received from someone on a boat.

A boat from the St. Peter's Fire Department and a Canadian Coast Guard cutter out of Souris, P.E.I., also took part in the search.

RCMP Staff-Sgt. Howard Fitzpatrick said weather conditions deteriorated by mid-afternoon as fog reduced visibility.

Norris said the waters off P.E.I. are about 6 C, and officials don't believe the man was wearing a flotation device.

The RCMP are now responsible for investigating the man's disappearance as a missing persons case.

The maritime search is over for the man who fell overboard a fishing vessel off PEI’s coast early this morning. #JRCCHalifax’s thoughts are with the member’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time 1/2

— JTFA | FOIA (@JTFA_FOIA) May 21, 2019

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  An extensive search is underway off the northeast coast of Prince Edward Island, near Naufrage, after a fisherman was reported overboard on May 21, 2019. (Google Maps)