Today the search for a missing woman from Port aux Basques has commenced. The 73-year-old woman was displaced from her residence yesterday morning as Hurricane Fiona struck Port aux Basques.
At approximately 10:00 a.m. yesterday morning, police received the report that a woman was possibly washed out to sea from her home. The woman was last seen inside the residence just moments before a wave struck the home, tearing away a portion of the basement. She has not been seen since. Due to extreme weather conditions yesterday, a search was not able to be safely conducted.
Additional police officers from the RCMP Tactical Support Group arrived in Port aux Basques yesterday and will remain in the area to assist in the search as well as other policing needs over the coming days.
The Canadian Coast Guard has been engaged. An aerial search by Government Air Services will be conducted, pending weather conditions and a ground search will be conducted by Barachois Search and Rescue and Stephenville Search and Rescue.
The investigation is continuing.
At this time, Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP cautions local residents against conducting independent searches as these searches may put those involved at risk.