Overview
- The sailor fell overboard from a rigid-hull inflatable boat near Bentinck Island at about 2:43 p.m. PT while returning from sentry duties.
- JRCC Victoria coordinated a large response that included Cyclone and Cormorant helicopters, a CC-295 aircraft, Canadian Coast Guard vessels, HMCS Regina, and U.S. Coast Guard support.
- Search crews used thermal imaging to detect a heat source in rough seas and fading light before locating the sailor conscious and waving.
- The Pacific Guardian recovered the sailor around 5 p.m. PT and transferred him to provincial emergency health services, with officials reporting a stable condition.
- Maritime Forces Pacific praised training, equipment and interagency coordination, and said a formal probe is underway to determine the cause of the overboard incident.