(August 24, 2021) – Craig Pardy, PC MHA for Bonavista, is extending a warm thank you on behalf of his constituents to Nathan Snow, who demonstrated heroism in the waters of Sweet Bay over the weekend.

On August 21, Willis and Doris Coles and their grandchild went from their residence in Sweet Bay on the Bonavista Peninsula to launch their boat at the local slipway. The truck was backed down the slipway and the wheels wedged in place while the boat was lowered from a trailer into the water.

During the process, the wedges slipped and the truck – with Mrs. Coles and her grandchild still inside – began backing into the water.

As the truck moved backward, Mrs. Coles was able to pass the child out through the window to Mr. Coles, who was standing in chest-high water. The grandchild was taken to safety onshore.

Mrs. Coles climbed from the window of the truck, which continued to move further out into the water. However, the water was deep and she had difficulty reaching the shore.

While this was happening, Nathan Snow of St. John’s arrived on the scene in his truck. While the child was being attended to on shore, Snow noticed Mrs. Coles was barely visible in the water. Snow, a member of the Long Harbour Emergency Response Team, was able to reach Mrs. Coles, who was unresponsive in the water.

Snow got Mrs. Coles to shore, where she recovered.

The child and all involved were shaken up, but unharmed by the ordeal.

“This weekend we witnessed heroism in the district of Bonavista. I can’t thank Nathan Snow who rushed to the aid of the Coles family in their time of need. Nathan’s quick thinking and bravery saved the day,” said Pardy.

“Nathan was able to avert a terrible accident and ensure the safety of Mrs. Coles. On behalf of the district of Bonavista, I want to extend my gratitude to Nathan Snow for his heroism during Saturday’s rescue.”  

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) (709) 725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca