A federal labour board has upheld the dismissal of a Canadian Coast Guard captain who failed to respond to a mayday call from a stranded fishing vessel, ruling the decision to terminate his employment was justified given the seriousness of the incident.Blacklock's Reporter says in a decision by the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board, adjudicator Christopher Rootham rejected the grievance filed by Captain Louis Callaghan, finding his inaction during the emergency demonstrated a lack of accountability and judgment.The case stems from a 2024 incident in waters near Malpeque Harbour, where a small fishing boat ran aground in rough conditions. While Callaghan’s vessel was within roughly an hour’s distance, evidence showed he ignored repeated distress calls for approximately 17 minutes before seeking direction.According to the ruling, Callaghan delayed further even after being told to assist, pausing and waiting for confirmation a second time before turning toward the scene. By the time help arrived, the stranded crew had already been rescued by a local fire department.Callaghan, an 18-year veteran of the Coast Guard, maintained he acted appropriately by waiting for orders, arguing that responding without direction could interfere with other rescue efforts. The board rejected that defence..Rootham wrote that while some workplace misconduct may not warrant dismissal, this case clearly crossed that threshold. He added that although remorse was not required, the captain showed no willingness to accept responsibility or change his conduct.The ruling emphasized that ship captains have a legal obligation to respond immediately to distress signals, regardless of whether formal instructions have been issued. The board noted that had Callaghan acted without delay, his vessel could have reached the scene in time to assist.The decision also cited Canada’s obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, which requires captains to proceed “with all speed” to aid those in distress at sea.
