Military search confirms no bodies in capsized Nova Scotia fishing boat

HALIFAX - About 500 people gathered at a church in southwest Nova Scotia today to grieve the loss of five young fishermen from the community.

Pastor Phil Williams spoke at the Calvary United Baptist church in Woods Harbour and urged the residents of the small fishing village to support one another.

Families of the men aboard the Miss Ally when it capsized last Sunday sat in several rows at the front of the church, hugging each other and crying as church members sang and prayed.

RCMP say a remote underwater vehicle has confirmed that no bodies are aboard the 13-metre overturned boat, which was found about 240 kilometres southeast of Halifax on Saturday.

The Mounties say the HMCS Glace Bay conducted an assessment today with a remotely operated vehicle and corroborated reports from divers on a private fishing vessel that no bodies are in the Miss Ally.

They say the assessment also confirmed that no wheelhouse or sleeping quarters are attached to the vessel's hull.

The RCMP say their air, water and ground search activities will conclude today.