CFB Trenton airman dies in rescue mission in Nunavut

The rescue crew dropped a radio to the boaters but the health of one of the men was deteriorating. When communication on the radio was lost, Gilbert and two other rescue technicians parachuted into the water to help.

A search and rescue technician has died trying to save a pair of stranded boaters in Nunavut, but the circumstances of his death remain a mystery.

Sgt. Janick Gilbert, who was based at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, died Thursday about 25 kilometres east of Igloolik. His age and hometown have not yet been released.

Gilbert had been sent on a mission along with two other search and rescue technicians to help rescue two men in an open boat who had run into trouble in stormy waters in the Hecla Strait. Community residents in two other boats had tried to rescue the men, but couldn't reach them.

Gilbert and the other two rescuers parachuted into icy waters from a C-130 Hercules military aircraft. All five men then waited three hours for a Cormorant helicopter to arrive from CFB Gander in Newfoundland to pick them up.

Gilbert died before the chopper arrived, but how he died has not been released. It's unclear if Gilbert was injured or if the men were waiting for help in the water.

The two other rescue technicians and the two men rescued from the boat were taken to Igloolik.

The rescue mission was co-ordinated by the base in Trenton, but also included rescue crews from bases in Gander, N.L., Greenwood, N.S. and Winnipeg. A Canadian Coast Guard ship from Iqaluit was also dispatched.

Trenton's base commander Col. Sean Friday said Gilbert will be missed.

"Janick will always be remembered as a respected family member of 8 Wing who was committed to helping people in need," he said. "At this most sorrowful time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many friends."

Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, commander of the Royal Canadian Air force, also offered his sympathies to Gilbert's family and comrades.

"He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help," said Deschamps.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his condolences as well.

"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 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 expressed sadness over Gilbert's death.

"He has demonstrated tremendous courage in circumstances of great peril. His sacrifice will not be in vain; we will be forever grateful to him," Johnston said.

"On behalf of all Canadians, we offer our sincerest condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues of Sergeant Gilbert. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

With reports from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Gary from Winnipeg
said

Very brave and very sad. What is also sad is that the rescue had to come from Trenton and then Gander. There is no excuse for such delays when lives are at risk. Whatever happened to properly equipping the Far North with everything it needs??

Wiggum
said

Please don't forget that Janick will be making his trip down the Highway of Hero's. His repat is tommorow at 3PM

a grateful Canadian
said

Semper fi. You kept the faith and put the welfare of others before yourself. Requiescat en pace.

Colin S.
said

Reading these comments perfectly illustrates the difference between the way civilians and military mbrs think. Soldiers express remorse over death but seem to realize how dangerous jobs can lead to the ultimate sacrifice. Sometimes all the training and equipment in the world doesnt make a difference when its your time to go. Having witnessed death firsthand most soldiers don't find it all that out of the ordinary. Civilians on the other hand want to express their sadness by blaming the government or whomever else they have an axe to grind. Because if their party was in power no soldiers would ever die of course. In reality not every servicemans death has to political, it can just be sad all on it's own without your 2 cent opinions.

FCS
said

It makes me laugh when I go to the gym and see all of the wanna be UFC fighters talking about how hard they train and how tough they are. You want tough? Go jump out of an airplane into the freakin artic ocean. I have nothing but respect for men like Sgt Gilbert and his comrades in arms. Canada just lost a good one.

Marg in Calgary
said

My cousin is a Major with SAR out of Greenwood, so I'm sure he was out with his crew for this. My condolences go to this brave man's family. And, it doesn't matter whether or not it was a "mission" - he was search and rescue - he died in the line of duty trying to save another human being. That speaks volumes to me.

Navy Veteran
said

"That others may live" My heart felt condolences to the Gilbert FamilyPlease rescpect Sgt. Gilbert and his Family and leave your Political Rhetoric elsewhere.

Anne-Marie
said

sois en paix mon cousin tu nous manquera on t'aime tous très fort et veille bien sur ta famille elle en aura grandement de besoin pour passer a travers cette dure épreuveta tante Hélène et t'ais trois cousines

Marie
said

This is such a terrible tragedy. RIP Sgt. Gilbert, and my condolences to your family and loved ones. And to those who are quibbling about airman, soldier - whatever - get your priorities straight! A brave man died in order that others could live, and that's all that people should be concerned about right now.

amcgeachie - Campbellford
said

From one military family to another, your loss is ours. Thank you Janick for doing what you believed in and to your family, thank you for supporting him.

Old Sapper
said

You are OK Trooper. Have a good jump. Now stand easy.

Chimo, Sgt.!

Leone
said

Rest in Peace Sgt Gilbert you will be Missed

Retired Captain Dartmouth
said

This is very tragic indeed....I kept the company of these incredibe people, who are by far some of the most decorated people in our forces....Foxe Basin is freezing over very quickly this time of year, and very harsh conditions....I have no doubt that the Herc Crew would have determined that the prospect of a good outcome outweighed the risk of jumping to save 1 life...Stand down with honor Sargent...and we thank you for your bravery to protect those who were less than able to have protected themselves..ex Tusker..

Jazz
said

I have nothing but the deepest respect for our SAR Techs. My brother was wounded while on a mission in the Far North back in the 80's. These guys do anything for others and are hardly ever noticed until they are needed. Oh, and my brother would fight you tooth and nail Stephen J... he was a SOLDIER and not an Airman.

Rachel
said

RIP Sgt Gilbert, you will always be remembered for your sacrifice. To his family, stand strong and proud, we are all behind you. My husband was KIA in Afghanistan in 2008 and I know this family has alot going on right now but my heart is with you and you will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Rescue92
said

As a brother SAR TECH...Canada is a vast and great land that can only be fully appreciated by flying over it day in and day out. All fliers, whether it be airline pilots or bush pilots know this. SAR Techs go Canada wide and 200 miles out to sea and regardless of where it is it may be, to fly a few minutes or a few hours its the nature of the beast that is SAR in Canada, period...we will get there. Trust me when I say that there is no greater honor for our trade than to be able to lay your life down for another. We dont count those we have saved but those we have lost. Him and his team saved two. Thats what matters.Rest in peace my brother...this we do so that others may live!

Not good news
said

I am once again devastated at the news of another death of a Canadian soldier, and for what it's worth, I offer personal condolences to everyone suffering from this man's death. Was this mission in "service to the country" as indicated in the report? Probably not. I suspect that it was more of a "service in the name of, and employed by, the country". The mission as it were is not a service to Canada, but another rescue mission gone awry. Trip down the highway of heroes? Not a comparable issue, but others will see in in another light no doubt.

stu mills
said

RIP, Sarge, End Of Mission, Stand Easy, unfortunately, another good soldier, has passed away, in the line of duty, my condolences, yo his family.

Retired In Ottawa
said

As a retired serviceman there was no trade in the CF I didn't respect more than the SARTechs and equally no trade I didn't want to attempt. Few understand the level of training and their unwaivering dedication in jumping into the unknown at a moments notice when a distress call is made.My respect to the trade, my condolences to the family, a loss that will not be easily replaced.RIP

G-Ball
said

{lease, please leave the olitical rhetoric for another day. We in orange are hurting today. Rest in Peace brother

Bubba: My Condolences to his family.
said

@why so smart: You are an idiot. You are making a bunch of assumptions that are unproven, and untrue.

Up north, people in those villages often have to go out to hunt, or fish for their food. It's not like there is a grocery store around the corner. Those guys probably weren't out for a ride in a boat for fun. You show how little you know by the comments you make. Geez...city folks are dumb.

@Josey Wales: same goes for you pal. By the way, it wouldn't matter much if these guys had life jackets. When the water is near, or below freezing, 15 minutes in the water whether in a life jacket or not, and you die from the cold. Up north, a life jacket saves you from nothing. And you don't even know if they were wearing life jackets.

A brave man gave his life to rescue those people. Due to the preparation our Rescue People go thru, we don't lose many of them. Still, they go in danger to rescue us. Do not demean their efforts, and their loss of life by your ill conceived comments.

Where do these complainers come from.....geez!!!

If you can say anything good, or offer a solution, then please just keep your traps shut!

patti's daddy
said

I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy...SAR are the bravest.
RIP...

Pete Howard, retired Sar Tech
said

Rest with pride, brother, you did your job well. The Sar Tech family, those employed and those of us retired, salute you.Rescue!

Rick M
said

lot of people making stupid comments that dont have nothing to do with this soldiers death. As a retired Air Force Engineer I was a soldier not a Airman, Aircrew are airman and those that work on aircraft. and those that made political jabs shame on you we dont even know how he died. But as the one person said I hope it was not saving a drunk that would be a senseless death.
My thoughts are with his family

Scott
said

Rest in Peace Sgt. Gilbert. You are in a better place. God Bless.

Soldier Boy - Pet
said

*Steven J: Firstly, anyone who serves under the "Armed Forces" of Canada is considered a soldier no matter if they serve with the Army, Air Force, or Navy. Secondly, the search and rescue 'trade' was initially created to rescue downed airmen during wartime and does not have recruit from the civilian world making them as much 'soldiers' as the boots (formerly) on the ground in Afghanistan. Rest in Peace.

Observer
said

RIP to this brave member of our armed forces!@back and to the left: Nice low class political cheapshot, not even a mention of condolences! As to your comment, please enlighten us as to how one event has to do with the other? I wonder if you bellyached this much when the Libs allowed these same Sar-Techs to fly around in 40 year old deathtraps, which LITERALLY contributed to to deaths in the field...

Green13
said

Deepest Sympathy to the family. He is a hero,

Dave-Ottawa
said

My heartfelt condolences to Sgt.Gilbert and his family. Also to all brothers of SAR tech's. We lost a great Canadian hero.

Blaze Orange
said

People like this man truely inspire me; When some have lost there odds of getting out and the end is near, these folks go in and reverse those odds.My thoughts are with Mr. Gilbert's family, friends, and fellow SARTECHS. May you all find peace and comfort during this terrible time.So Others May Live.* This is a time to remember a man who was a hero in life by his actions, who shall be remembered as such, and not an appropriate time to spew anti government opinions, regardless of fact and anger.

Sas
said

We lost a great man, a co-worker, a good friend, but most importanly a great father and husband. My condoleances to his wife, kids, family and friends. A true hero is someone that put his life after the ones he/she try to save. Janick, you are a true hero to me. RIP my friend. So long!!

Pete
said

Rest Well Janick. TFJ

Tim
said

This has nothing to do withPeter Mckay. Shut up. Focus the fact that this soldier died in the line of duty to save 2 civilians. there are enough rescue helicopters to get the job done.RIP Sgt!!!

Jonathan
said

THREE HOURS for the chopper to show up! This is a demonstration of what is wrong with Canada's current Northern SAR program. Perhaps now that it has cost a brave responder his life, Harper will get serious about increasing SAR capabilities.

JBurey
said

@ back and to the left: A cheap shot at the expense of a Canadian hero. Shame on you!

Ray Jorritsma
said

Stand down, Sgt. Gilbert, you have well earned your eternal leave. You died a true Canadian hero and I am ever so grateful for your service. My thoughts and my heart go out to your family, along with my gratitude, for their unselfish willingness to share you with our country Canada.

Colin
said

"What kind of a gov"t puts so little into their military that SAR has to be done from thousands of km away?"That"s easy. The kind of governments you and other Canadians elected year after year, who had no problem slashing the military's budget to the bone. At least the current government has increased the military's budget and doesn't treat it like an afterthought. Remember you get what you pay for.

back and to the left
said

Peter McKay, do you think diverting rescue helicopters to pick you up is a good idea now?

Michael Canning
said

As a Spotter with Search and Rescue in times past I have a great admiration for our SAR Techs, I too send my condolences to family and friends.

Big D
said

RIP Bro

Christine Fontaine
said

A soldier dies and then what???? I recently saw a program on rescue on W5. It is totally unnecessary for these rescurers to perish. A bunch of political nonsense. When will people petition for better conditions for those who risk their lives and their families who lose them. They put their own lives in jeopardy. Helicopters that don't work properly etc. A terrible loss for the family. I hope that they get some answers and some closure. A man of honor dying on the job.It's a disgrace.

BRIAN
said

So Other's may Live .. the scarfice we make for our Country ... My thoughts go out to the family

stuart_corbett@hotmail.com
said

Canadian SAR Techs are unsung heroes. RIP Sgt.

Josey Wales
said

Hopefully his death was not due to looking for more idiots that don't "Do" life jackets/suits...or plans...or as we often read...MORE idiots getting hammered then go boating?If he/they were responding to yet another scenario as I described, we should ditch the PC of it all and shame those "alleged and presumably foolish" folks.VERY PUBLICLY.Canada is a vast land full of dangers, if "some" cannot be bothered with using any sense...why should folks risk their lives to "rescue" morons?How did people get rescued say 10 000 years ago up there?Oh yes they didn't...I forgot.

Jim
said

As the British would say " He gave his today for our tomorrow. R. I. P.

Caroline McGarry-Ross
said

Terrible that Sgt Gilbert lost his life waiting one of his own team members to get there. What kind of a gov"t puts so little into their military that SAR has to be done from thousands of km away? Ridiculous. Either the North is a priority or it's not. God Bless Sgt Gilbert his family & his colleagues and thank you to them all for the great work they do.

Steven J
said

Please note that Sgt Gilbert was an airman, not a soldier. Soldier refers to someone in the Army and Sgt Gilbert was in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). FYI, is it refers to a lady, then the term airwoman is used. Thank you.Rest in peace Sgt.

Retired Military
said

Sad to hear. Stand easy soldier. RIP.

J in Calgary
said

Rest in peace and God's speed Sgt Gilbert. A country's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for all you have done for the country, the Canadian Forces and most importantly your family.

why so smart
said

These boaters have nothing better to do than boating on icy water. Lose a soldier to save these extreme people.... next time these boasters will hike up Rocky Mountains in Jan... then we will need to send rescue to save them from Avalanche. sigh.....

kg1
said

RIP Solider

Harold
said

My condolences to the family , his collegues and firends. This shouldn't have happened if we had adequate coverage in the North in the first place.

2VPwife
said

RIP My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and the entire military community.

Bob H fr Petawawa
said

He gave his all, to save others. May You Rest in Peace.

George
said

As a nation we must appreciate the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who wear our country's uniform with pride. Heroes, each and every one of them.

Rest in peace, sir. And thank you.

Dave Willard
said

My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Sgt Gilbert. The word hero is often misused these day but this is one instance where it is truly appropriate.With the new emphasis on the north perhaps this tragedy will drive home the fact that a S&R capability is required for the region. There should be no more delaying and procrastinating in filling this need.

Barry
said

Those who worry about the response have to remember the north is vast. We could never have help readily available to the entire north. Yellowknife does have resources, but that is a long way off in regard to this incident. Fair winds and calm seas to. The Sgt.

Chris
said

SAR Techs are quite often our forgotten heroes here at home. Stand Easy, Sgt Gilbert!!!

Fred
said

These guys are the top 1% this country has to offer. Fearless, highly motivated, and highly trained the best thing you can ever see when your in trouble is a Canadian SAR tech coming for you. My deepest condolences to Sgt Gilbert and his family.

Ed2 from BC
said

Sgt. Janick Gilbert was a true hero. Thanks to him and others, many lives are saved. So sorry to hear that Sgt. Gilbert passed away. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Robert
said

R.I.P Sgt. Janick Gilbert. The ultimate sacrifice for Canadians... That Others May Live. A salute for you my friend.

Vancouver Girl
said

RIP Sgt. Gilbert. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends during this diffucult time.

Michael from the real world
said

Sgt. Gilbert is nothing less than a hero. My family's hearts and prayers go out to he and his family, and to his comrades. God bless.

Safety Rob
said

" That others may live" Your time to rest has come. others will carry on with the duties of keeping the public safe. Thank you for your service and life.

Tim
said

If we're going to make Arctic sovereignty a priority, shouldn't we have some kind of well equipped base right in the north? Those 5 men should not have had to wait for a chopper from Gander , NFLD to be picked up. RIP Sgt. Gilbert.

Rob from North Bay
said

"That Others May Live" RIP

Doug ^^^ BC
said

Heart felt condolances to the friends and family of this fine Canadian hero.Be assured,he has joined a very exclusive club.Those who paid the ultimate price in the service of their fellow human beings. Rest in Peace Sgt.Gilbert.You are truly going to be missed by many.

JB in Ontario
said

A SAR Tech is a very dangerous job in the Canadian military. Condolences to the family, friends and to the fellow SAR Techs of this hero. May he rest in peace.

Bob @ Wainwright
said

RIP Soldier. Heart felt condolences to his family from mine.

r.cohen
said

RIP Sleep well brotherMy condolences

FCS
said

This is crap news on a Friday. SAR techs know no fear and put their lives on the line daily to save Canadians across this country. Simple put these guys are the best of the best. My thoughts and condolences go out to Sgt Gilbert and his family.

Scott
said

Another brother in arms laying down his life for another. rest in peace bro.

John
said

My sympathy to the family. He is a hero.

Fellow soldier
said

RIP SAR Tech. Condolences to the family of this hero.

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