Date: 13 Oct 2003
Time: 12:43
A five-member crew from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron in Gander (Newfoundland) is the first to be awarded the Cormorant Helicopter Rescue Trophy. The trophy commemorated the crew’s courageous efforts in successfully rescuing sixteen crew members from a stricken marine vessel off the coast of Newfoundland on a stormy winter night in January 2003.
Major General Marc Dumais, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division presented the award to the crew of Rescue 911, Major Gilbert Thibault (Aircraft Commander), Captain Andrew Mercer (First Officer), Master Corporal Rob Vidito (Flight Engineer), Search and Rescue Technicians Sergeant Emilio Dechantal, Master Corporal Dave Cooper and Corporal Scott Elliston.
This prestigious award was presented during the National Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX 03) held in Gander Newfoundland from 1 - 4 October 2003. The recently commissioned Cormorant Trophy was provided to the Canadian Forces last year by Agusta-Westland / EHI (makers of Canada’s new Cormorant search and rescue helicopter. The award, which recognizes the heroic efforts of search and rescue professionals, will be presented annually to the civil or military helicopter crew who perform the most demanding Canadian rescue operation.
“A selection committee was formed and the rescue of the crew members from the marine vessel Camilla was unanimously chosen as this rescue demonstrated an outstanding piece of airmanship for all five crew members, required extraordinary leadership skills, tremendous crew coordination, judgment and courage,” said Lieutenant Colonel Grant Smith, A3 SAR.
The rescue occurred on 23rd January 2003 when a 133-metre Finnish freighter, Camilla, lost engine power and steerage capacity and was adrift in stormy seas. With winds gusting up to 70 km per hour and 10-metre waves crashing over the deck, the vessel was in danger of capsizing. The Cormorant hovered over the pitching vessel for 70-minutes while the sixteen crewmembers were hoisted to safety and flown to St Johns, Nfld.