OTTAWA, ONTARIO – Lieutenant General Jonathan Vance, Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, made the following statement today regarding the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation that occurred off the west coast of Haida Gwaii:
I would like to thank all those involved in the dynamic SAR operation that provided immediate assistance to the stricken Russian-flagged bulk carrier Simushir. Coordinated by the staff at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Coast Guard, and others worked day and night since last Friday to ensure no lives were lost, there was no environmental damage, and the operation was carried out in a safe and professional manner.
SAR operations, by their very nature, are inherently dangerous and frequently carried out under trying circumstances. They require highly trained and professional men and women to ensure success and safety for all those involved. The Victoria SAR Region deals with an average of 3,000 cases a year and, at times, they can be very complex, as was this one.
While the JRCC Victoria coordinated the effort, numerous agencies at all levels of government and private industry were working behind the scenes to provide any and as much assistance as they could and I thank them for their hard work and determination. It was invaluable in helping us make informed decisions.
The Canadian SAR system is tried and true, dealing with approximately 10,000 cases a year across the country. It is a robust system designed to deal with the unexpected and save lives. As Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, I am proud of those who immediately responded and helped bring this SAR case to a successful conclusion.
