Nick Martin

In July of 1982 a fatal boating accident involving a floatplane and a sailboat in Yellowknife Bay led to the creation of a volunteer marine SAR unit. This small organization eventually became the Yellowknife unit of CCGA (C&A). The MV Nick Martin, one of the unit’s search and rescue vessels, is named for the victim of this accident. A generous donation by his parents allowed for the purchase of the first two vessels of the original group.

An open house and 25th anniversary ceremony were held at the Great Slave Cruising Club on Saturday, September 8, 2007. A brief ceremony celebrated the memory of Nick Martin, and honoured and thanked CCGA’s partners, supporters, and community. Special guests included Inspector Mike Payne of RCMP G Division, friends of the late Mr. Martin, and representatives of the Yellowknife Community Foundation. The Nick Martin was rededicated by the RCMP for use by CCGA. Also greetings from Michael Gardnier, Assistant Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard, and David Northmore, A/Auxiliary Coordinator, CCGA, were read. Memorial plaques for the vessel and the Yellowknife CCGA shack were unveiled as a lone piper played a lament on the shore of Great Slave Lake.