Canadian soldier dies during rescue mission in Nunavut
A search-and-rescue technician from Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario died this week during a rescue mission in the North.
Sgt. Janick Gilbert died Thursday night during a mission near Igloolik, Nunavut, near Baffin Island, the Department of National Defence said Friday.
His age and hometown were not immediately available, nor was the nature of the mission he was participating in.
“On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Sgt. Janick Gilbert, who died yesterday in Nunavut,” Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said in a statement.
“He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help.”
The incident is under investigation.
One report indicated Gilbert jumped in the water at the northern location, along with two other technicians, to save two people stranded in a boat. The other technicians and people being rescued reportedly survived.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences to the soldier’s family, friends and colleagues in a statement Friday.
“Canada’s landscape is one of the most challenging in the world in which to conduct search-and-rescue operations, and the area in which search-and-rescue professionals work is the largest in the world — it extends over 15 million square kilometres of land and sea and encompasses the world’s longest coastline,” the prime minister said.
“The Canadian Armed Forces’ search-and-rescue technicians are some of the best trained in the world, and have saved thousands of lives nationwide.
“Sgt. Gilbert was an extremely brave Canadian who made the ultimate sacrifice while proudly serving his country.” Gov. Gen. David Johnston also offered his sympathies.
“The operation itself resulted in the rescue of two local citizens,” Johnston said. “(Gilbert) has demonstrated tremendous courage in circumstances of great peril. His sacrifice will not be in vain; we will be forever grateful to him.”
Janick Gilbert, a Canadian soldier, dies during mission in Nunavut near Baffin Island
A search-and-rescue technician from Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario died this week during a rescue mission in the North.
Sgt. Janick Gilbert died Thursday night during a mission near Igloolik, Nunavut, near Baffin Island, the Department of National Defence said Friday.
His age and hometown were not immediately available, nor was the nature of the mission he was participating in.
“On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Sgt. Janick Gilbert, who died yesterday in Nunavut,” Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said in a statement.
“He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help.”
The incident is under investigation.
One report indicated Gilbert jumped in the water at the northern location, along with two other technicians, to save two people stranded in a boat. The other technicians and people being rescued reportedly survived.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences to the soldier’s family, friends and colleagues in a statement Friday.
“Canada’s landscape is one of the most challenging in the world in which to conduct search-and-rescue operations, and the area in which search-and-rescue professionals work is the largest in the world — it extends over 15 million square kilometres of land and sea and encompasses the world’s longest coastline,” the prime minister said.
“The Canadian Armed Forces’ search-and-rescue technicians are some of the best trained in the world, and have saved thousands of lives nationwide.
“Sgt. Gilbert was an extremely brave Canadian who made the ultimate sacrifice while proudly serving his country.” Gov. Gen. David Johnston also offered his sympathies.
“The operation itself resulted in the rescue of two local citizens,” Johnston said. “(Gilbert) has demonstrated tremendous courage in circumstances of great peril. His sacrifice will not be in vain; we will be forever grateful to him.”
Janick Gilbert, a Canadian soldier, dies during mission in Nunavut near Baffin Island
