Four people have been transported to hospital after a private helicopter rolled off a cliff and into the water off Parker Island on Saturday.
Navy Lt. Pamela Hogan, public affairs officer at the Canadian Armed Forces, told CHEK News the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) received a report of the incident near Galiano Island at around 12:15 p.m.
Hogan said the JRCC tasked a Cormorant rescue helicopter from 19 Wing Comox to airlift all four occupants to Victoria General Hospital, including two who were injured.
Officials also dispatched a coast guard hovercraft and a rescue boat from Salt Spring Island to the scene.
The crash comes amid a busy day on the water, according to Hogan. She said “a lot” of people witnessed the incident, with several calling to report their sightings.
One witness, Angel Kibble, told CHEK News that she was impressed with rescue crews.
“My husband and I are anchored off (Galiano Island) and both are retired military … in our opinion, from where we were, we saw a very professional response,” said Kibble. “The winds were 20-25 knots, which added to a challenging rescue with the heavy winds.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Photo captured near the scene of the crash. (Supplied by: Michael Reid)
CHEK News
