Listen Live

One dead, five missing in Canadian military helicopter crash off coast of Greece

The province of Nova Scotia is bearing even a heavier burden today.  Under the shadow of COVID-19, and the mass shooting that killed 22, another Nova Scotian has lost her life in a Canadian Armed Forces helicopter crash off the coast of Greece.

According to the Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan there were six people on board and only Sub-lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough’s body has been recovered.  Sajjan says the flight data recorder and the voice recorder have been found and the Flight Safety Team is leaving today to continue to investigate.  A cause of the crash is not known, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, “I can assure you we will get answers in due course.”

The Cyclone helicopter crashed yesterday in the Ionian Sea during a basic training exercise and was returning back to the HMCS Fredericton which is part of the NATO mission Operation Reassurance. A search and recovery mission is still underway.

Trudeau gave his condolences on behalf of the country to the families and friends and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, the people of Halifax and Nova Scotia, “Operation Reassurance is Canada at its best bolstering security in the Mediterranean.”

The Prime Minister also reference Armed Forces members on the frontlines of COVID-19 here at home saying they are working day and night to protect “our grandparents, aunts, and uncles in our senior’s homes”

Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan says the federal government is staying in touch with allies from Italy, the U.S., Greece, and Turkey who are assisting in the search for the remaining military members.

Updates, according to Sajjan, will be given as soon as it is “appropriate to do so.”

Canada’s Cyclone helicopters have been put on an operational pause, to allow the Armed Forces to remember their colleagues and eliminate any possible issues with the helicopters until the investigation is complete.

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Two arrested after firearm and drug seized in Elk Point

Two people are facing firearm and drug-related charges after Elk Point RCMP stopped a vehicle on the mourning of June 19.

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.

Cold Lake is set to go big for Canada Day with a full day of events

Cold Lake is getting ready to celebrate Canada Day with a lineup of family fun, entertainment, and fireworks on July 1.

RCAF CF-18 to flyby Cold Lake on July 1

With the weather pitching in for Canada Day, expect the roar of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as two CF-18 Hornets will flyby at various times over Cold Lake, Lloydminster, and Spruce Grove on July 1.

Woman airlifted to Edmonton after two-vehicle collision near Elk Point

A 78-year-old woman was airlifted to Edmonton in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision in the county of St. Paul on June 24. 
- Advertisement -