Madam Speaker, I wish to report on the situation in Iqaluit. Madam Speaker, floating debris found yesterday afternoon has been positively identified as from the missing vessel. These items included a cabin door; roof of wheel-house; wooden box for portable generator; sliding door; flashlight; and, plywood from the side of the cabin which showed heavy impact marks.
There was, at that time, no trace of the 16-foot canoe which was carried by the missing vessel and no other traces had been found of the 10 people aboard or any other personal belongings.
A continued massive air search has been under way since early this morning Iqaluit time, involving an RCMP twin otter searching the western shore, a Sikorsky helicopter chartered by DND searching the other side of the Bay and a Hercules and Aurora aircraft searching over open water. Two vessels in the area have been searching islands and the shore in the vicinity of Gold Cove and Chase Island.
I have just been informed, Madam Speaker, that two people from the missing vessel have been picked up early this afternoon on Gabriel Island. They are extremely weak and very cold. They are, at this moment, being rushed by boat to Gold Cove. From there, they will be transported by helicopter to Iqaluit later this afternoon. This search vessel also found the shattered canoe and the remainder of the missing vessel. There is no other information on any other missing men.
Madam Speaker, this tragedy involves the immediate families of at least 100 people in Iqaluit and Clyde River, and many more relatives and friends. People in the community throughout the region are suffering with the terrible anxiety of waiting and fearing the worst. They will need all of our support and prayers. Thank you.