A Tactical Helicopter known as CH-147F Chinook crashed in Ottawa River near Garrison Petawawa, Ontario during a training flight in the early morning of Tuesday, June 20, 2023 while two members onboard were missing.
In a statement released by the Canadian Armed Forces on Tuesday, stated that search already ongoing as the missing crew are amongst a total crew of four who were on helicopter at the time of the accident.
It explained further that two other members of the crew were found by first responders, taken to the hospital in Pembroke and the search is being supported by approximately 50 CAF members on shore and on water.
An Ontario Provincial Police marine unit, Petawawa, Pembroke Fire Departments and rescue aircraft from the RCAF’s 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron to include Griffon SAR helicopter and Hercules aircraft joined the search.
A 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron Griffon is also involved, boaters in the area are being asked to remain clear of the shores near Garrison Petawawa to aid search efforts, avoid potentially hazardous materials from the aircraft.
And to ensure integrity of the crash scene to enable an RCAF Flight Safety Investigation at a later time. Our thoughts are with the crew of the helicopter, their families and all the member of 450 Squadron, Garrison Petawawa at this time, the statement added.
Reacting, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau confirmed on tweets that the search efforts are underway for two members of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who are missing after their helicopter crashed into the Ottawa River.
Trudeau said, “I’m keeping all of the members of 450 Squadron in my thoughts as search efforts continue, and I’m wishing a fast and full recovery to the injured. In this difficult time, we’re here for you”.
Chinook helicopters are used to transport troops and equipment and have also been deployed to help with natural disasters in Canada and medical evacuations.
In a Press release early Tuesday morning, the Department of National Defence also asked boaters to stay out of the area to “avoid potentially hazardous materials from the aircraft” and maintain the integrity of the scene.
