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In the early hours on Sunday, Sept 10, a Cormorant helicopter from 442 Squadron was tasked by the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Victoria to rescue a stranded boater. A couple who had been out on Khutze River in a remote area approximately 90 kilometres north of Bella Bella reported their vessel capsized and requested assistance via the Coast Guard radio in Prince Rupert.

Boats in the area responded and were able to pick up the wife, however, they could not reach the husband who reportedly was cold and stranded, but uninjured. The Cormorant used night vision goggles to search the last known position of the missing male.

"We searched the river's edge in torrential rain and low ceilings," said Capt. Sean Morris, aircraft commander. "It was difficult conditions, which were eased by the boater's common sense and preparation. He had a pencil flare which he fired when he heard the helicopter and that made his position easy to locate.

"Though he was on the north side of the river, the terrain and weather made it safer for us to land on a flat area on the south side. The two search and rescue technicians attempted to reach the boater by foot, however, the river current proved too strong and they returned to the helicopter. We then conducted a hoist from just below the cloud and just above the trees, about 52 metres. Master Cpl. Mark Salesse was lowered into the river, and he then climbed up onto the bank to the stranded boater and we double lifted them back into the Cormorant. We hovered back down the river to a location where we could safely land and transfer the boater to the waiting Coast Guard vessel Tanu."

The condition of the couple, who are in their early 60s, is unknown.

Cormorant crew: Capt. Sean Morris, aircraft commander, Capt. Doug Parker, first officer, Master Cpl. Brian Schoneberg, flight engineer, Sgt. Jean Tremblay and Master Cpl. Mark Salesse, SAR Techs.

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Note to editors: There are no images from this mission

19 Wing Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Cheryl Robinson (250) 339-8201.

Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (Victoria): (250) 363- 2995