RCAF Search and Rescue crews from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron worked together to medevac an injured fisherman from his vessel, 90 nautical miles northwest of Port Hardy in Queen Charlotte Sound.
A Cormorant helicopter and Buffalo airplane were launched from their base at CFB Comox on Aug. 22 shortly before 1 p.m. after air controllers at Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria received a call that a man suffered a serious injury to his hand while working aboard a 22-metre commercial fishing vessel.
HMCS Nanaimo, currently serving a period of coastal SAR Zone coverage, was also called to respond to the scene, but was stood down before arriving on scene.
“The sea state was calm and although the vessel was moving in and out of some fog banks, the weather was good to conduct the operation,” said Capt. Mike O’Brien, Cormorant pilot. “The boat crew did a good job of clearing the aft deck of fishing gear, enabling us to hoist our three Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) onboard safely.”
Once on the deck, the SAR Techs stabilized the man and placed him into a rescue basket. With the patient and SAR Techs on board, the helicopter crew flew to Port Hardy where they landed at 4:30 p.m. to meet with the Buffalo aircraft.
The Buffalo crew flew the patient to Victoria, where he was transferred to BC Ambulance for transport to hospital. His present medical status is unknown.
— 19 Wing Comox
