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442 Squadron performs at-sea rescue Saturday

On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 28, 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron was tasked by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria on a mission to medevac an injured crew member from a bulk carrier for transport to hospital for urgent care.
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A CH-149 Cormorant (left) and a CC-115 Buffalo were used during the latest at-sea rescue. Photo : Cpl. Manuela Berger/DND Canada

On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 28, 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron was tasked by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria on a mission to medevac an injured crew member from a bulk carrier for transport to hospital for urgent care.

The vessel was located 550 km (300 nautical miles) west of Vancouver Island at the time of the call for the medevac.

A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-115 Buffalo were tasked to respond.

Once the mission was tasked to 442 Squadron the ship altered its course to reduce the distance and time the aircraft would have to travel over water.

During the rescue phase of the mission, which took place about 185 km (100 nm) offshore, the Buffalo provided top-cover for the Cormorant.

SAR Techs were lowered to the deck of the ship where they assumed responsibility of care for the patient.

After being prepared for transfer, the patient was hoisted to the Cormorant and transported to Comox.

Arriving in Comox at about 1:30 a.m. the patient was transferred to Comox Valley Hospital by the BC Ambulance Service.

No further information on the patient’s identity, or the name of the ship, was made available.