Premier Williams extends condolences to the
families of Coast Guard employees killed in tragic accident

Today Premier Danny Williams offered his condolences to the families of Mr. Gordon Simmons and Mr. Carl Neal, both of St. John�s, who were tragically killed off the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador�s south coast last evening. �The thoughts and prayers of all Newfoundanders and Labradorians are with the friends and families of these fine individuals, during this time of tremendous grief,� said Premier Williams.

�These individuals served the people of this province and indeed the country as dedicated employees of the Canadian Coast Guard,� added Premier Williams. �An important part of their jobs was to ensure safety for others while often placing themselves in harms way. I commend these two gentlemen for their service in this capacity, and I also express sincere condolences to all of their colleagues at the Canadian Coast Guard.�

The Canadian Coast Guard has confirmed that the two crew members of the Coast Guard MBB-105 helicopter were performing routine maintenance on navigational equipment near Go-by-Point, off the province�s Burin Peninsula. On their return flight to Marystown the helicopter is believed to have crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The bodies of the two individuals were recovered late last evening.

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

2005 12 08                             1:40 p.m.