More Labrador vigils calling for better search and rescue

People gathered in Labrador communities for a second night Friday to call for improved search and rescue services following the death of a lost Makkovik boy almost two weeks ago.

14-year-old Burton Winters body was found on the sea ice more than 20 kilometres from his home on Feb. 1. He was reported missing three days earlier, on Jan. 29.

A military helicopter and fixed-wing plane joined the search on Jan. 31.

Canadian Forces officials said poor weather kept their aircraft grounded when an earlier request for them was made on Jan. 30

Friday residents of Port Hope Simpson and Northwest River in Labrador held a candle-light vigil to remember Winters.

They also signed a petition demanding a search and rescue helicopter be stationed in Labrador permanently.

Similar protests were held Thursday night in other Labrador communities, including Makkovik, Nain, and Natuashish, and in St. John's.

The two military Griffon helicopters based in Goose Bay are classified as "secondary search and rescue assets" by the military. The three Cormorant helicopters based in Gander, central Newfoundland, are classified "primary search and rescue assets."