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Fisheries and Aquaculture
March 31, 2014

Service Honours the Memory of Lost Sealers

Minister Participates in Commemoration of 100th Anniversary of 1914 Sealing Disasters

The 100th anniversary of the 1914 sealing disasters was recognized today with a commemorative service attended by the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The event took place at George Street United Church in St. John’s, and was organized by the Home from the Sea campaign, which was initiated by the Elliston Heritage Foundation in 2008 to build awareness about this important date in provincial history.

“I was pleased to join with others in this service to remember those sealers who were lost in the 1914 disasters, and to reflect on the dangers faced by those working at sea. Sealing has always been culturally and economically important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and will continue to be in the future. Given the significance of this industry, and the people who have made a livelihood from it, the Provincial Government was pleased to provide the Home From the Sea Campaign with $500,000 toward a memorial statue, interpretation centre, and walking path that will honour this moment in our history.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

On March 30, 1914, sealers departing from the SS Newfoundland were lost in a blizzard, while on the same day, more sealers perished when the SS Southern Cross sank while returning to St. Lawrence. In total, more than 250 lives were lost. These tragedies had a profound impact throughout the province that resonates today, and through the Home From the Sea campaign, they will be honoured with a memorial statue designed by artist Morgan MacDonald, an educational interpretation centre, and a walking path, all scheduled to be completed this year.

The Provincial Government has worked with sealers to professionalize the industry and enhance safety for participants. In the past few weeks, the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board received more than $32,000 from the Provincial Government to support 36 sealer information workshops that were held throughout the province. In addition to training, the Provincial Government has also provided funding for advocacy, marketing, and product development to make the sealing industry stronger than ever, and to protect the well-being of families and communities that rely on the industry for their well-being.

QUICK FACTS

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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca 

2014 03 31             12:15 p.m.

 
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