NORTH CAPE, P.E.I. – The body of one of two Tignish fishermen who had been missing since Tuesday, Sept. 18, has been found.
“I was meant to be there,” suggested Rene Gaudet of Tignish who saw something in the seaweed on the beach at North Cape Sunday morning and went to check. It turned out to be the body of one of the missing fishermen.
Gaudet said he wasn’t at the cape more than 10 minutes when he made the discovery along the rocky shore, very close to P.E.I.’s northwestern tip, just around the bend from the North Cape lighthouse.
West Prince RCMP have confirmed that one of the missing fishermen has been found but they are not confirming the man’s identity.
Area residents who were at North Cape on Sunday morning, however, have said the body was that of the captain of the Kyla Anne, 55-year-old Glen DesRoches.
Still missing is DesRoches’ 54-year-old first mate, Moe Getson. Friends and family of both fishermen were still at the cape Sunday afternoon, hoping to locate Getson. More than 40 members of P.E.I. Ground Search and Rescue were also searching.
Cheryl DesRoches, a sister of Glen DesRoches, said the family is pleased Glen has been found and is now hoping for the same outcome for his friend. She described Glen and Moe as being like “two peas in a pod.”
She said on Saturday that her family is drawing comfort from the many people who are searching, and who are dropping in to their homes to visit and offer their support and encouragement. “Selfless people,” she said.
TIMELINE
Tuesday afternoon – The Kyla Anne vessel sinks near the North Cape reef with Captain Glen DesRoches and longtime helper Maurice Getson. A third crew member was able to swim to shore and alert authorities.
Tuesday evening – The Canadian Coast Guard begins a search for the two missing fishermen.
Daybreak Wednesday – More than 40 PEI Ground Search and Rescue volunteers arrive to assist in the search.
Wednesday morning – About 300 members of the community gather in Tignish to pray for the two missing fishermen.
Wednesday evening – The Canadian Coast Guard ends it search. Local members of the RCMP, Tignish Fire Department and Ground Search and Rescue, as well as community volunteers continue to search.
Thursday evening – PEIGSAR temporarily suspends its search due to deteriorating weather conditions; their search resumes Sunday.
Sunday morning – Body of missing fishermen Glen DesRoches found by area resident.
Gaudet said PEIGSAR was still getting set up over in the parking lot of the Wind ‘n Reef Restaurant and Interpretative Centre when he alerted them of his discovery.
Among the local residents, many of them carrying binoculars, who were walking the cliffs and beaches Sunday afternoon were Dot and Herbie Perry.
“You can’t have rest until they’re found,” said Dot who, with her husband, has been searching every day. Although there’s relief that one of the men has been found, “it’s still not finished,” she stressed.
Gaudet is of similar resolve. He said he has been searching every day and will continue to do so.
“It’s a small community and that’s how small communities work: They won’t stop until he’s found.”
The RCMP reported the coroner’s office has been contacted, and an autopsy has been ordered.
In an interview Saturday, Gordie Getson had acknowledged the great community support being shown for the families of both fishermen.
“When something happens, they’re all there. The community is all supporting us big time.”
