Half mast flags and remembrance

The Daily News featured the remembrance of the sinking of the Queen of the North as part of its front page on Thursday. With details on a planned private memorial for the surviving families of the two persons who died on March 22, 2006.

ONE YEAR LATER, FERRY TRAGEDY IS STILL FRESH
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Pages one and three

Today, B. C. Ferries will lower company flags to half-mast fleet wide in remembrance of the sinking of the Queen of the North and the two individuals who lost their lives.

The crew of the Queen of Prince Rupert will also hold a moment of silence ceremony.

According to Deborah Marshall, B. C. Ferries spokesperson, the company is also working with the families of Shirley Rossette and George Foisey, the two passengers who lost their lives in the event, to recognize the tragic anniversary in a meaningful way.

“The company is helping to facilitate a private memorial ceremony for the families on Gil Island,” she said.

North Coast MLA Gary Coons said his thoughts are also with the rosette and Foisey families.

“I hope that closure will come to their hearts soon. I’m sure that their visit to Hartley Bay will signify that it will come sooner rather than later,” said Coons.

We must not forget the passengers – on board that night, bumped from their beds into the cold night and traumatized beyond imagination, and hope that they all have received any attention necessary to recover.”

He said it is also a time to be thankful to those involved in the rescue.

“We must again remember the quick actions of the crew, the Coast Guard and those heroes of Hartley Bay,” he said.

Locally, Coons noted people must continue to voice their concerns about the promises not kept by B. C. Ferries and the provincial government in regards to the sunken wreck that continues to leak oil near the community of Hartley Bay.

“The up-welling of the 200,000 litres is there as a reminder of what can happen when coastal traffic overlaps with tradition. The villagers are on the verge of seeding their shellfish pilot projects, but wondering if they should go ahead,” said Coons. “the matter is under federal jurisdiction now but both those responsible, B. C. Ferries and the province must take a proactive leadership role.”

In yesterday’s Daily News, community members from Hartley Bay expressed their concerns about what they see as a ticking time bomb.

“As we move forward from this tragedy and wait for the Transportation Safety Board final report, we see that there must be public accountability for one of the most important transportation links in our province, our integrated marine highway,’ said Coons.

“We must learn from this tragedy, remember those most impacted, the heroics and remind ourselves that only those in power can follow-up on concerns and recommendations for improvement.

“The public must ensure this is done.”