Ferry Crew Honoured by Minister

A swim in St. Anns Bay turned into a life-threatening experience for two visitors to Cape Breton earlier this summer. Today, their rescuers are being honoured by Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

Staff from the Englishtown Ferry launched a rescue boat and plucked the swimmers from the dangerous currents of the bay on July 9, quick action that almost certainly saved two lives.

"Two young people were saved this summer thanks to the quick thinking and excellent work of ferry staff," said Mr. Russell. "It is my pleasure to honour these employees for their outstanding work."

Mr. Russell presented the four Department of Transportation and Public Works employees -- Kerr MacAskill, Glenn Christie, Charlene Vickers and Nelson Edge -- with the Minister's Award. The award is given to employees for outstanding action in the preservation of life or the prevention of serious personal injury.

He congratulated the workers for their awareness and ability to quickly launch a boat and rescue the swimmers.

The rescue took place around 5:30 p.m. on July 9. A man and a woman in their 20s were trying to swim across the bay, from the ferry dock to Jersey Cove. Mr. MacAskill, the shift captain, realized the swimmers were unaware of the currents and quickly launched a rescue boat with the assistance of Ms. Vickers. Mr. Edge operated the rescue boat and Mr. Christie plucked the swimmers from the water.

Although one of the swimmers had ingested a lot of salt water, thanks to the fast action of the rescue team, neither had to be hospitalized.