The two missing air crew members from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) helicopter CH-147F Chinook that crashed in the Ottawa River in the early hours of Tuesday June 20, were found last evening.
In a statement released by the Airforce on Wednesday, stating that tragically, neither member survived while the names of the deceased individuals are not being released at the request of their families.
It was further stated that the Royal Canadian Airforces’ Directorate of Flight Safety has started conducting an investigation into the accident to determine the cause.
Media Bypass News reported earlier that 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 of the members onboard were missing.
According to the statement, they were four onboard in the crash, other two members of the crew were found by Garrison Petawawa firefighters earlier after the crash and taken to hospital in Pembroke with minor injuries shortly.
Both the two injured ones have been released and are being monitored by Canadian Armed Forces medical personnel while the other two got missing and after a thorough cleaning up of the accident scene and searching, they were found dead.
It was noted that full range of support is being provided to families of the two deceased members, the two surviving air crew members and their families, and to the members of 450 Squadron and Garrison Petawawa at this difficult time.
Reacting to this development, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau applauded the Canadian Armed Forces members over the tweets, for their bravery, courageous, and their selflessness, saying these two members were no exception.
According to the Prime Minister Trudeau, “We will always be grateful for their service. My thoughts are with their families, their friends, and the entire Royal Canadian Air Force.
Also reacting, the Minister of National Defence, Honorable Anita Anand who joined all Canadians in mourning the loss of two Royal Canadian Air Force members from 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.
She said, “These brave Canadian Armed Forces members served Canada with honour, dedication, and immeasurable courage.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their loved ones. I also send my prayers to the two members injured in the crash, who are now recovering. We are with you.”
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre said, “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of these two members. They served with honour, proudly devoting their lives to Canada with tremendous professionalism and selfless service.
“Their loss is devastating, and we stand in grief with their families, friends, and teammates during this time of great sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with our members who were injured in this tragic accident, and we wish them a quick recovery.
“On behalf of all members of the armed forces, the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer and I offer our deepest condolences to the loved ones of our fallen”, General Wayne Eyre added.