Canadian Forces Griffon helicopter rescues Kayaker on French River

8 WING/CFB TRENTON
News Release

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A Canadian Forces CH-146 Griffon helicopter from 424 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron based at Canadian Forces Base Trenton was instrumental in the rescue of a kayaker in the French River area of Northern Ontario during the early hours of Thursday, June 6.

Officers with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)’s North Bay Detachment discovered a kayak, fully loaded with supplies but without its occupant, along the shores of French River, which flows from Lake Nipissing, southwest from North Bay, into Georgian Bay.

After receiving the call from the OPP North Bay Detachment, the Trenton Joint Rescue Coordination Centre tasked a CH-146 Griffon to the area to investigate the situation. Within minutes of arriving on the scene, the kayaker was located and Search and Rescue Technicians descended to assist the individual.

“The kayaker was assessed by SAR Techs to be cold, but not requiring further medical attention,” noted Captain Shawn Scrimshaw, Aircraft Commander for this mission.

The kayaker was hoisted on board the CH-146 Griffon and transported to a nearby campsite and released to the OPP, who were waiting with the individual’s kayak.

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