A float-plane operator plucked an overturned canoeist from Pye Lake near Campbell River Tuesday after landing his aircraft.
The canoeist was rescued by the pilot, who has not yet been named, at about 5 p.m.
The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre Victoria was called at 5:15 p.m. and responded with a Cormorant helicopter from Canadian Forces Base Comox.
An RCMP helicopter and civilian float plane also responded.
The float plane arrived first and pulled the man, who was wearing a life-jacket, from the water.
The man’s life-jacket kept him warm, according spokeswoman Lt. Jennifer Halliwell, Maritime Forces Pacific.
The pilot stayed with the victim until No. 442 Squadron search-and-rescue technicians arrived to assess his condition.
Unable to hoist the man into the helicopter for medical reasons, he was stabilized and prepared for transfer. The float-plane pilot ferried him to shore.
B.C. Ambulance took the canoeist, in stable condition, to hospital.
His condition today is not known.
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