The Cap Blanc, shown a few years ago, capsized in waters about four nautical miles off Marystown, on Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula, search officials said.The Cap Blanc, shown a few years ago, capsized in waters about four nautical miles off Marystown, on Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula, search officials said. (Courtesy of Roger Etcheberry)

Four people were missing Tuesday as search-and-rescue crews responded to a vessel that had capsized off Newfoundland's southeast coast.

The Cap Blanc, which had been based in the French islands of St-Pierre-Miquelon, had left the Newfoundland port of Argentia on Monday, and had been heading home with a cargo load of road salt. The islands are just south of Newfoundland.

Search officials said the 30-metre vessel had capsized in waters about four nautical miles off Marystown, on Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula.

An empty life raft had been spotted near the overturned vessel.

Relatives of the crew in St-Pierre were not commenting, and were holding an emergency meeting, a family member told CBC News.

A Cormorant helicopter was sent from Gander to Placentia Bay to look for the vessel.

A Hercules aircraft has been dispatched from Canadian Forces Base Greenwood in Nova Scotia.

As well, the coast guard vessels George R. Pearkes and W. Jackman have been sent to the area.

The Cap Blanc is one of two vessels that carry freight between Newfoundland and St-Pierre-Miquelon.