Published: October 28, 2011

Death of a Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technician During Rescue Mission

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A search and rescue technician (SAR Tech) from 8 Wing Trenton has died while participating in a rescue mission near Igloolik (Hall Bay), Nunavut on the evening of Thursday, October 27.

"On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Sergeant Janick Gilbert, who died yesterday in Nunavut. He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help," said the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Lieutenant-General Andre Deschamps.

Sergeant Janick Gilbert was a SAR Tech with 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron.

"It is with deep sorrow that we learned about the death of Janick," said 8 Wing Commander Colonel Sean Friday. "Janick will always be remembered as a respected family member of 8 Wing who was committed to helping people in need. At this most sorrowful time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends."

This SAR mission was a collaborative effort that has included SAR aircraft and crews from 17 Wing Winnipeg, 8 Wing Trenton, 9 Wing Gander and 14 Wing Greenwood, and was coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton. The mission itself resulted in the rescue of two local citizens.

The incident is currently under investigation.

Notes to editor / news director:

A photograph of Sergeant Janick Gilbert is available on the Fallen Canadians page of the Department of National Defence website. Please visit: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/fallen-disparus/index-eng.asp

Canadian Forces Search and Rescue website

http://www.canadacom.forces.gc.ca/sar-res/SAR-BG09001-eng.asp

8 Wing's 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron website

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/8w-8e/sqns-escs/page-eng.asp?id=664