A crew member aboard a bulk carrier off the waters of Tofino was hoisted off the ship by a Cormorant helicopter and flown to Victoria Thursday night.

The Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue helictoper from 442 Squardron based at 19 Wing Comox made the rescue despite low clouds, poor visibility, high winds and 20-foot waves, according to aircraft commander Capt. Luc Coates, in a news release.

We decided to hover over the centre of the ship, taking care to avoid the cranes and guide wires, as we hoisted them to the deck,” he said.

The 690-foot bulk carrier called the Rook was situated about 110 kms west of Tofino.

The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre received a call at about 6 p.m. of a crew member who suffered a potentially serious injuring while performing maintenance.  

The ship’s crew performed first aid and the rescuers further stabalized the patient, according to Sgt. Shawn Harrison, a search and rescue technician.

At about 7 p.m. he was hoisted with technicians onto the helicopter. The man was flown to the Coast Guard station at Shoal Point in Victoria and  by B.C. Ambulance to hospital.

His condition at this time is unknown.

ceharnett@timescolonist.com
 

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