The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today issued the following statement:
I want to extend my congratulations and gratitude to the brave men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard for their rescue of Russian helicopter pilot Sergey Ananov after his helicopter crashed in icy Arctic waters. Canadian Coast Guard Ship Pierre Radisson rescued the pilot, who is now safely on board and en route to Iqaluit.
Russian pilot Sergey Ananov went missing on the weekend during the Iqaluit-to-Greenland portion of his flight. Thanks to their expert knowledge of the Arctic, Coast Guard crewmembers were able to act quickly in finding Ananov on an ice floe in the Davis Strait.
Key to Ananov’s successful rescue was his use of a survival suit, as well as a life raft. We are proud of our men and women of the Coast Guard. Once again, the Canadian Coast Guard has held true to their motto of safety first, service always.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474