Unveiling of Coast Guard Commemorative Storyboard

On October 15, 1989, three members of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG, Chief Officer Gregory Paul Peddle, Senior Engineer Joseph Wilfred Pierre Gallien, and Leading Seaman Raymond C. Welcher tragically lost their lives while attempting to rescue scuba diver Leonard Caul from the turbulent waters off Middle Cove Beach.

Thirty-seven years later, the Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove Development Association (LBDA) honours the memory of these brave men, whose courage and selflessness led them to make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Yesterday afternoon, on the 37th anniversary of this heartbreaking tragedy, a poignant ceremony was held to unveil a commemorative storyboard at the Justina Centre in Outer Cove. More than just a sign, the board tells the story of the events of that tragic afternoon, preserving the memory of those who gave their lives in an extraordinary act of bravery and service. It stands as a lasting tribute to three men whose actions will never be forgotten. The ceremony was a meaningful opportunity to reflect, remember, and pay tribute to these heroes, whose legacy continues to live on in the community and in the hearts of those who remember them.

Joining LBDA Chair Steve Walsh and members John Kennedy, Sally Goddard, and Councillor Michelle Hickey, LBDA volunteer and Council Liaison, were Mayor Shannon Power and Councillor Jennifer Anderson.

Members of the Peddle and Welcher families were in attendance, along with representatives of the Canadian Coast Guard, including speaker Trevor Hodgson, Regional Director of Fleet, and Rhonda Manning, Constituency Assistant, representing Joedy Wall - MHA - District of Cape St. Francis. The unveiling of the storyboard was done by Peddle family member Gregory Peddle and Welcher family member Wanda Lee.

The LBDA extends its sincere thanks to the Town for  providing the pedestal to mount the storyboard at Middle Cove beach and use of Centre along with Town staff to help with setup. Special thanks to Kathleen Wheaton, CCG Regional Planning Officer who coordinated the event with their personnel and links to the families. Sincere thanks also go to everyone who generously shared their time, knowledge, and talents to bring this project to fruition. Special thanks to Sean Kennedy for providing the English-to-French translation, to Aurora Hickey for distributing the roses and assisting Rita Kennedy with the reception., and to Christian Dauble for the bagpipe music.

Yesterday’s unveiling ceremony was a truly moving and memorable occasion, and we are now one step closer to seeing the commemorative storyboard take its rightful place on Middle Cove beach later this month. Seeing so many family members, Coast Guard personnel and our community leaders gather was a powerful reminder that, even 37 years after this tragedy, those we lost remain deeply cherished and remembered. After the ceremony, the reception allowed everyone the chance to share conversations with family members and Coast Guard personnel, to reflect together on the past, and to see the comfort and joy the storyboard’s words brought. It was a day of remembrance, connection, and hope, honouring the past while carrying its memory forward for generations to come.

The commemorative storyboard will be installed at Middle Cove beach at a later date, where it will serve as a permanent reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of these three Canadian Coast Guard members.

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