The Canadian Armed Forces Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria says, thanks to swift coordination and unwavering professionalism, a life was saved this week as rescue efforts off Vancouver island to retrieve a Royal Canadian Navy sailor who had fallen overboard into the sea had concluded successfully.
JRCC Victoria says shortly before 3:00pm on Monday, December 8th, a sailor returning from sentry duties near Bentinck Island range had fallen from a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat about half a nautical mile from the shore of the island.
Quickly jumping into action, JRCC Victoria had dispatched HMCS Regina to the area, along with a cohort of Orca-class patrol ships, vessels from the Canadian Coast Guard, a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter, a CC-295 Kingfisher – further supported by a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter dispatched from the US Coast Guard.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Center says the sea state and weather conditions at the time were not ideal, with high winds and large swells hampering search efforts as darkness set in.
The member who had fallen overboard was able to signal the Cyclone helicopter from their position in the sea at around 5:00pm. They were quickly retrieved by the Pacific Guardian, a vessel belonging to the Pacific Pilotage Authority, and were then transferred to the care of local EHS.
In a statement on the matter, The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre said, on behalf of the Royal Canadian Navy, Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific, they extend their sincere appreciation to all who helped bring their member home safely, also noting that the incident serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and readiness of their search and rescue partners, and of the strength they demonstrate when they respond together.
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