Multi-organization effort helps recover deceased pilot

Prince Rupert

2022-11-18 08:00 HNP

Dossier nº 2022-7845

Under the Official Languages Act, this office provides services to the public in English only. You will find general information in both official languages at bc.rcmp.ca and www.rcmp.ca

Aux termes de la Loi sur les langues officielles, ce bureau n'offre des services au public qu'en anglais. Vous trouverez des renseignements généraux dans les deux langues officielles au cb.grc.ca et www.grc.ca.

A joint operation between the Prince Rupert RCMP, Terrace Search and Rescue as well as the support from Emergency Management British Columbia, led to the recovery of a deceased helicopter pilot.

On November 9th the Prince Rupert RCMP received a report that a helicopter had crashed in Kitsault, BC. Due to the extreme terrain and potential dangerous conditions the RCMP reached out to Terrace Search and Rescue (Terrace SAR) as well as Emergency Management British Columbia (EMBC).

Despite the potential danger as well as the difficulty involved in organizing a joint operation recovery Dave Jephson of Terrace SAR said he was impressed with how it went. "The operation was very technical and dangerous, we had to modify the plan because of the risk encountered," Jephson said. "I have never had an operation go more smoothly under such extreme conditions."

Jephson attributed the smoothness of the operation to the RCMP trusting Terrace SAR and their expertise, as well as planning sessions being efficient.

"We are appreciative to have such talented volunteers and resources available for these types of logistically challenging investigations," Cpl. Stephen Senuita said, "We are grateful to have a good working relationship with our partner agencies such as Terrace Search and Rescue."

Jephson also highlighted the importance of a recovery operation for the family that was involved, "it's everything, it provides closure for the family," Jephson said, "we are all responsible for that family member."

The RCMP offers its condolences to the family of the man who died in this incident, and will not be releasing his name in respect to the family. The RCMP once again extends its gratitude to Terrace SAR as well as EMBC and the BC Coroners for their assistance in the investigation as well as the recovery effort.

For more information on becoming a Search and Rescue volunteer visit your local Search and Rescue website for more details.

Terrace Search and Rescue Logo

https://www.terracesearchandrescue.org/

Diffusé par :

Gend. Brody Hemrich

Agent des relations avec les médias
Détachement de Prince Rupert

Courriel : Brody.Hemrich@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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