The following is a press release from Nunatsiavut Marine Inc:
“A mishap occurred during a mandatory lifeboat drill aboard the Northern Ranger during its stop in Nain yesterday. It resulted in one crew member being airlifted to St. John’s for medical observation. Three other crew were treated at the clinic in Nain, and have since been released. They are now back on board the ship.
During the drill, the lifeboat had been lowered into the water without incident. The mishap occurred during the retrieval, when a mechanism that secures the lifeboat released, sending the bow of the boat into the water. One crew member was thrown into the water, and another suffered a cut to his head. The other two crew were shaken up, but not injured.
Nunatsiavut Marine (NMI), which operates the Northern Ranger under contract to the provincial government, immediately reported the incident to the Coast Guard. After discussions with Coast Guard, the vessel was given clearance to continue its journey southward, to ports enroute to Goose Bay. The Northern Ranger will operate on a load and go basis on the trip south.
The incident is under investigation by marine authorities. Nunatsiavut Marine is cooperating fully with the investigation. NMI has an experienced crew and has a strong safety culture. The company will conduct its own review of the incident, and of its safety processes and procedures.
NMI is supporting the people involved in yesterday’s incident. We are committed to a safe operation, and to protecting the well-being of our employees and passengers.”
OK radio will have more information on this incident when it becomes available.