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Coast guard ends search for missing Vincent Massey crew member

The Canadian Coast Guard says it has ended its search for a missing crew member who was aboard the CCGS Vincent Massey.

Crew member, who was on board Sunday evening, reported missing Monday. RCMP are investigating.

A Canadian Coast Guard vessel.
The Canadian Coast Guard has called off its search for a missing crew member. (Chantier Davie/CNW Group/Canadian Coast Guard)

The Canadian Coast Guard says it has ended its search for a missing crew member who was aboard the CCGS Vincent Massey. 

In a statement, Department of Fisheries and Oceans spokesperson Émilie Proteau-Beaulieu said the crew member was reported missing at 8:15 a.m. on Monday when the vessel arrived in St. John's.

The statement said the employee was last seen aboard the ship Sunday evening as the vessel sailed along Newfoundland's northeast coast.

After an unsuccessful search of the vessel, a "multi-asset sea search commenced," according to the statement.

A post on the coast guard's social media accounts Wednesday afternoon said, "We are devastated to confirm that one of our own employees has been lost at sea."

Canadian Coast Guard vessels, aircraft and vessels from other federal sources assisted in the search. 

Proteau-Beaulieu said the decision to end the search was made Tuesday afternoon.

"Such decisions are never taken lightly," said Porteau-Beaulieu in the statement. 

"Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of our employee, and we extend our sincere condolences to them and to all our employees affected by this tragedy." 

The matter is now with the RCMP.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Cpl. Jolene Garland said the RCMP is continuing the investigation. 

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