News Releases

By Captain Nicole Meszaros

Canada's military Search and Rescue system has once again stepped up to save the life of those in peril. Personnel from four Air Force Wings and several different squadrons headed for the far north to help some hunters who ran into trouble aboard their vessel.

After three days at sea, three hunters from Hall Beach, Nunavut arrived safely back on shore on June 12, uninjured and approximately 50 kilometres from their departure point. The trio set out for a short sail on June 10 on board a 22-foot freighter canoe and ran out of fuel on Foxe Basin. That was only the beginning of their troubles.

The group was overdue by 24 hours when the RCMP ramped up its initial assistance by calling the Trenton Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC); the centre dispatched a CC-130 Hercules and crew from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, from 8 Wing Trenton to airdrop fuel to the hunters. Once the vessel received the fuel it began sailing for a short period but then became disabled by flooding.

"This incident underscores the importance carrying survival supplies and necessary fuel during boating," said Major Colin Duncan, of the Trenton JRCC. "Before heading for the water, boaters must check weather conditions to ensure that waterborne activities can be undertaken safely."

As the crew day for the 424 (T and R) Squadron was drawing to a close, the Trenton JRCC sent two CC-130 Hercules from 435 (T and R) Squadron at 17 Wing Winnipeg to relieve the Trenton crew and to provide a watchful eye over the canoe, also known as "top cover".

While providing this top cover, the CC-130 dropped a "Survival Kit Air Droppables" (SKADs) containing basic survival materials such as a life raft, survival suits, food and water. The materials found in the SKAD are meant to keep victims safe until more help can come on scene; the crew of the canoe boarded the life raft and waited for help.

Following the drop, the CC-130 Hercules crews were relieved by a CP-140 Aurora aircraft and crew from 405 Maritime Patrol Squadron located at 14 Wing Greenwood. The eagle-eyed members of the Pathfinder Squadron watched as the canoeists were picked up, quite coincidentally, by an 18-foot rescue vessel which happened to be in the area.

In the meantime, a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter arrived from 9 Wing Gander just in case one or more of the hunters needed to be hoisted from the life raft into the helicopter for medical or other assistance.

Their help was not required as once the hunters arrived on shore, the CC-130 from Trenton returned to the air and dropped sleeping bags, a stove and other survival supplies to sustain the group.

"The Air Controller in charge of this case was fortunate to have support from four Air Force Wings," said Major Duncan. "This was not an easy Search and Rescue mission to support as it was very far north. The dedicated airmen and airwomen of the Canadian Forces SAR community have proved their reach extends to the furthest corners of Canada. As our motto states we are involved in SAR so "that others may live".

Capt Mezsaros is the 8 Wing Public Affairs Officer.