MajorDad 0 #1 October 28, 2011 A Canadian Search and Rescue Technician died after jumping in with a team up north yesterday in marginal conditions. I had the pleasure to run a Canadian Coach 1 Course for the Sartechs last year. True professionals. They have to go out.... they sometimes don't come back.. Link to story.. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/cfb-trenton-soldier-dies-in-nunavut-rescue-mission/article2217324/?from=sec431 CFB Trenton soldier dies in Nunavut rescue mission A soldier has died after jumping into icy, stormy waters in an attempt to save a pair of stranded boaters in Nunavut. Sgt. Janick Gilbert was a search and rescue technician based at Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario. Capt. Pierre Bolduc said Sgt. Gilbert and two other rescue technicians jumped into the Hecla Strait from a military aircraft Thursday. The C-130 Hercules had flown north to Nunavut after two men in an open boat ran into trouble about 25 kilometres east of Igloolik. The men were in the boat, battling strong winds and high waves. Community residents in two other boats tried to rescue the men, but couldn't reach them. Mr. Bolduc said after the three soldiers jumped in, all five waited three hours for a Cormorant helicopter to arrive from CFB Gander in Newfoundland and pick them up. Sgt. Gilbert died before the chopper arrived, but how he died has not been released. “Janick will always be remembered as a respected family member of 8 Wing who was committed to helping people in need,” said Trenton's base commander, Col. Sean Friday. “At this most sorrowful time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends.” Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, commander of the Royal Canadian Air force, also said his sympathies are with Sgt. Gilbert's family and comrades. “He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help,” said Lt.-Gen. Deschamps. The two other rescue technicians and the two men rescued from the boat were taken to Igloolik. The rescue mission was co-ordinated by the base in Trenton, but also included rescue crews from bases in Gander, Nfld. and Greenwood, NS and Winnipeg. A Canadian Coast Guard ship from Iqaluit was also dispatched. Major Dad CSPA D-579 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
377 20 #2 October 28, 2011 How incredibly heroic and incredibly sad. RCAF SARTECHS, USAF PJs and USCG rescue swimmers put their lives on the line performing hazardous maritime rescues. It is so sad when their brave selfless actions cost them their lives. RIP Sgt Gilbert. 3772018 marks half a century as a skydiver. Trained by the late Perry Stevens D-51 in 1968. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
