A Mother’s Plea: The Frustrating Wait for Vessel stability checks

As the mother of a fisherman who lost his life in a tragic sinking incident, Lori Cogswell-Phillips is speaking out about the frustratingly slow progress on a key safety recommendation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has been calling for mandatory stability assessments of vessels since 2015, but to date, little has been done to implement this critical safety measure.

A Devastating Loss

The sinking of the Chief William Saulis in the Bay of Fundy in 2020 resulted in the deaths of six fishers, including Lori’s son, Aaron Cogswell. The incident was a devastating blow to the families of the victims and the fishing community as a whole. The TSB’s investigation into the sinking found that the vessel had not undergone a stability test after it was modified, which was a critical factor in the tragedy.

A Decade of Inaction

The TSB has been warning about the dangers of vessel instability for over a decade, since a capsizing incident in 2015 killed three people. Despite this, Transport Canada’s response to the TSB’s recommendation for mandatory stability assessments has been deemed “unsatisfactory” by the safety board. This lack of progress is not only frustrating but also alarming, as it puts the lives of fishers at risk.

The Importance of Vessel stability checks

Stability assessments are crucial in ensuring that vessels are safe to operate. These assessments permit crews to load catch and gear in a way that helps prevent vessels from flipping over. By not implementing mandatory stability assessments, the federal government is “playing with peoples’ lives,” according to Lori Cogswell-Phillips.

The Call for Action

The TSB’s annual assessment of recommendations has once again highlighted the need for mandatory stability assessments. It is imperative that Transport Canada takes immediate action to address this critical safety issue. The lives of fishers and their families depend on it.

Related News

• What is citizenship by descent? A look at Canada’s new proposal
• Loblaw removes Folgers coffee from stores over ‘unjustified’ price hikes

More on Canada

For more news and updates on Canada, click here.

The Wait Continues

As the families of the victims of the Chief William Saulis sinking wait for justice and action, the lack of progress on vessel stability assessments is a harsh reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. It is imperative that the federal government takes immediate action to address this critical safety issue and ensures that the lives of fishers are protected.

Copyright 2025 The Canadian Press

This report was first published on June 6, 2025.

Content originally published by globalnews.ca