RCAF airlifts passenger from cruise ship 200 km northwest of Port Hardy
A medical emergency prompted a dramatic rescue Saturday involving a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and two search and rescue technicians lowered onto the ship's deck.
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A passenger in medical distress was airlifted from a cruise ship approximately 200 km northwest of Port Hardy early September 13, in a joint rescue operation by Canada's air force.
RCAF's 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, based at 19 Wing Comox, deployed a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft under direction of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria. The Kingfisher arrived first to coordinate the medevac with the ship's captain, who steered the vessel into the wind and cleared the bow for the helicopter's approach.
Two search and rescue technicians were lowered onto the ship's deck to prepare the patient for extraction. The passenger, a companion, and medical personnel were then hoisted into the helicopter and transported to Comox, where the patient was transferred to BC Emergency Health Services and taken to hospital for further treatment. The patient's identity, condition, and the specific nature of the medical emergency have not been disclosed.
The facts
Where was the cruise ship when the rescue happened?
The cruise ship was approximately 200 km northwest of Port Hardy.
Which aircraft were deployed in the rescue?
A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft were deployed by RCAF's 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron based at 19 Wing Comox.
How many search and rescue technicians were involved?
Two search and rescue technicians were lowered onto the ship's deck to prepare the patient for extraction.
