Canadian Air Force Squadron Honored For Rescuing Hundreds After Landslide In B.C.

The Honorable Company of Air Pilots, a UK-based group, presented the squadron with the Barry Marsden Memorial Award for outstanding performance in a period of extreme distress. “We are very honored as an entire squadron to be recognized with this award,” Major John McSheffrey told CBC’s Gloria Macarenko. The company says the squadron, based in Comox, BC, showed extraordinary dedication to rescue 311 people, 26 dogs and a cat trapped by landslides on Highway 7 near Agassiz. A series of atmospheric rivers stalled over the province last November, flooding communities, paralyzing highways and triggering several landslides, including one that killed five people. McSheffrey said the event was unexpected and as the situation developed, more people came forward. “As the news started coming in, we realized this was going to be bigger than a typical mission,” he said. He said his crew made seven trips into the steep, narrow area to rescue people and pets. A statement from the company said Cormorant crews were able to land on the highway due to worsening weather and gale-force winds, despite congestion and debris caused by landslides. During the process, the team says the squadron was also able to help the city’s heavy search and rescue crews assess several submerged vehicles to confirm there was no one inside. On their own volition and despite staff challenges, the squadron was able to deploy two more helicopters and a Buffalo fixed-wing plane to assist in the evacuation. “The sense of duty shown by all members of 442 (Squadron) in anticipating what needed to be done was evident from the technicians who supported efforts to launch all available helicopters, the crew members who volunteered to fly and the leadership shown by the management team as the crisis unfolded.” The efforts demonstrated the determination and dedication to Canada that the squadron exemplifies on a daily basis, the statement said. On The Coast6:01 BC pilot team honored in London, England tonight for rescue efforts Last November, amid severe flooding and storms, you’ll remember the hundreds of motorists stranded when landslides closed the highway near Agassiz. This afternoon in London, England, a team of BC pilots received an international award for their rescue efforts during this period. We speak to Major John McSheffrey of 442 Squadron for more.