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2h ago

Royal Canadian Navy Sailor Rescued Off Vancouver Island After Multi-Agency Search

Thermal imaging on search aircraft pinpointed the lone sailor, who was later reported in stable condition.

The missing sailor was spotted in the water a few hours after going overboard.
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People look on as the AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant helicopter demonstrates a search and rescue operation demonstration in Victoria on Sept. 17, 2023.
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Overview

  • The sailor fell overboard from a RHIB at about 2:43 p.m. near Bentinck Island while returning from sentry duties.
  • JRCC Victoria coordinated helicopters, a fixed‑wing aircraft, Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard assets, Royal Canadian Navy vessels, and HMCS Regina.
  • Searchers contended with strong winds, heavy swells and fading light before spotting a heat source around 5 p.m.
  • The Pacific Pilotage Authority vessel Pacific Guardian recovered the sailor, who was transferred to B.C. Emergency Health Services, and responding units were stood down.
  • Naval authorities opened a formal investigation into how the sailor entered the water, noting he wore a dry suit and flotation device.