Minister announces appointment of independent investigator to probe vessel's capsizing

Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, has appointed Retired Rear Admiral Roger Girouard to lead a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) investigation of the events and circumstances leading to and following the capsizing of L'Acadien II on March 29.

"I appreciate that Rear Admiral Girouard has accepted my request to take on this important task," said Hearn. "With his vast experience and knowledge I am confident he will ensure that this investigation will determine what happened off the coast of Cape Breton Island, and will help to prevent such tragedies in the future."

The investigation will begin immediately. Rear Admiral Girouard has been asked to present his final report to Minister Hearn and the Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard in the fall.

"We need to let the various experts look at this incident and put the facts together," added Hearn. "Once I receive the Rear Admiral's report, it will be shared with the families of those who were lost in this tragic incident, then I will make it public."

Specifically, the investigation will determine:

- The sequence of events that led to and followed the occurrence.

- Compliance with CCG policies, procedures and work practices including the CCG's towing policy and general non-Search and Rescue assistance to vessels, and their application.

- The contribution of CCG policies, procedures and work practices to the events.

- How the incident occurred, why the incident occurred, direct causes and contributing factors.

The report will include safety-oriented recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Girouard may choose to speak to anyone who may be of assistance to him and to his team. Girouard and his team will also provide their assistance and any information requested to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as they move forward with their own investigations.

For more information about Retired Rear Admiral Roger Girouard and to view the Terms of Reference and other details visit the DFO website at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.