The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax has confirmed a serious situation developing involving the Atlantic Destiny fishing trawler roughly 120 nautical miles south of Yarmouth.
The JRCC indicates a mayday call was received at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday night regarding a fire onboard the vessel.
Spokesperson Brian Owens confirms to our newsroom that the vessel has lost power and is adrift near Georges Bank.
All 31 crew members remain onboard.
Owens says there is erroneous information circulating on social media that the crew have been rescued from the ship. As of 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday night the crew remain on the ship.
He called the situation serious. He says a fire that was initially contained has re-ignited.
Rescue is crews are on scene but are battling brutal weather conditions with winds blowing at 55 knots and 8 metre seas.
A Hercules chopper from CFB Greenwood is on scene providing a spotlight on the vessel, while the Cape Lahave is standing by ready to assist.
Owens says a Canadian Coast Guard vessel is on its way to the aid the ship as well as a CH149 Helicopter.
This is a major developing story.
More to come.
