424 Squadron rescues stranded jet skiers from Weller’s Bay

Search and Rescue Technicians prepare to hoist stranded jet skiers into a hovering Griffon helicopter on Sep 2, 2019 at Weller’s Bay, Ontario. – 8 Wing Trenton Royal Canadian Air Force photo

Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron came to the aid of two jet skiers stranded in Weller’s Bay at Prince Edward County, Monday, Sept. 2, after their vessel became entangled in weeds.

Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton was advised by Ontario Provincial Police that the pair were overdue and launched a CH-146 Griffon helicopter from 8 Wing Trenton to conduct a search.

Both jet skiers were quickly located by the air crew and were subsequently hoisted into the helicopter. They were flown to Trenton in good condition to be reunited with family.

“We spotted the jet skiers on the east side of Weller’s Bay thanks to the bright personal flotation devices that they were wearing,” said Capt. Erin Pratt, CH-146 Griffon Pilot. “We lowered our two Search and Rescue Technicians who walked along the shoreline before wading and swimming to the jet ski. When the SAR Techs met the pair they were cold, but in good condition.”

Search and rescue (SAR) incidents under the federal SAR mandate are defined as all aircraft incidents and all marine incidents in waters under federal jurisdiction, with the exception of federally-owned national parks, the overall responsibility for land and inland water search and rescue rests with the provinces, territories and municipalities.