Premier Williams expresses sympathy following Belleoram tragedy

Premier Danny Williams has expressed, on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, his deepest sympathy to the families of Belleoram who are in mourning following a fishing tragedy in Fortune Bay on Tuesday.

�Far too often this year and in years gone by, our hearts have been broken by the agonizing news that brave fishermen have lost their lives while working at sea,� said Premier Williams. �This tragedy has hit us particularly hard because two of the fishermen who went missing that day were only in their teens. But as young as they were, they demonstrated the same bold courage of the many thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who, for centuries, have braved the ocean to make a living in our fishing industry.�

Premier Williams added, �In every community throughout Newfoundland and Labrador today and far beyond our shores, the thoughts and prayers of our people are with the families whose loved ones have been so swiftly and sadly taken from them.�

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 11 25                      2:00 p.m.