DND launches probe into response to vessel sinking

The Department of National Defence has ordered an internal investigation into what happened when two mariners died last week while their vessel sank off Newfoundland.

Larry Parsons, 69, and Christopher Wade Oram, 32, died in icy, choppy water north of Baccalieu Island, at the mouth of Trinity Bay, when they hastily abandoned the 15-metre utility ship Check-Mate III on the night of Jan. 31.

A search and rescue crew aboard a Cormorant helicopter arrived at the scene first, but directed the Canadian Coast Guard vessel George R. Pearkes to the scene. The helicopter crew reported that at least one of the men was moving.

But family members have questioned why the Cormorant crew did not descend immediately, and whether anything could have been done to save the men during the 14 extra minutes it took for a fast-rescue craft from the George R. Pearkes to arrive.

The Canadian Forces has ordered an internal review to examine every detail of what happened, said Maj. Mario Couture.

"We were so close to pull those poor men out of the water, that it's even more important that we conduct that kind of review, that we have that report and that we shed light on all of the aspects of our operation," he said.

"Operational procedures are underway to ensure that we get the facts and bring every last possible drop of knowledge from this experience, such that we maintain excellence in service."

Couture added that the Canadian Forces do not order an internal investigation every time something goes wrong, but rather when something may be learned from such a report.

Maj. John Van Oosten, who oversees the search and rescue program in Atlantic Canada, said earlier this week the Cormorant crew would have responded differently if they had known the two men were so close to death.

Because the men's survival suits had filled with water, investigations into the sinking may focus on equipment. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has not yet decided to launch a full inquiry into the incident.

But the former owner of the Check-Mate III said there was nothing wrong with either the vessel or its survival suits.

Bruce Davis, who had recently sold the vessel to a Nova Scotia buyer, said the suits had been approved by the coast guard.

Transport Canada has confirmed that the vessel was recently certified, which would require that lifesaving equipment be in good condition.