The Canadian Armed Forces has confirmed that a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter operating off HMCS Fredericton has crashed in the Ionian Sea off Greece.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a media conference this morning, “One casualty was recovered and five are missing. All of them are heroes. Each of them will leave a void that cannot be filled.”
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said efforts are underway to find the five missing members.
Sajjan said the voice and flight data recorder have been recovered and a Canadian team is on the way to the region to look for answers.
One victim has been named by her family as Sub.-Lt. Abbigail Cowbrough.
Her father, Shane Cowbrough posted on Facebook, “I am broken and gutted. Today I lost my oldest daughter Abbigail Cowbrough in the crash involving the Cyclone from HMCS Fredericton. There are no words. You made me forever proud. I will love you always, and miss you in every moment. You are the bright light in my life taken far too soon.”
On April 24, Abbigail posted a video on Facebook, “You can travel the world, and still never meet anyone like an East Coaster. Glad to have been taken in by them, for I’d have it no other way 😇. To everyone back home, thinking of you ❤️ #NSstrong“
Contact was reportedly lost with the aircraft over the Ionian Sea as it was participating in allied exercises about 80 km off the coast of Greece.
HMCS Fredericton is on NATO’s Operation Reassurance in the area.
“I confirm there has been an incident involving a helicopter from a ship under NATO command,” NATO said in a statement.
1/2 Developing situation regarding our CH-148 Cyclone, deployed onboard HMCS FREDERICTON, which is currently contributing to Op #REASSURANCE.
Contact was lost with the aircraft as it was participating in Allied exercises off the coast of Greece.— Canadian Joint Operations Command (@CJOC_COIC) April 29, 2020
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau also made a statement via Twitter stating that a Canadian helicopter involved in Operation Reassurance has gone missing off Greece. He also stated that search and rescue efforts are currently underway.
A Canadian helicopter involved in Op REASSURANCE with NATO allies has gone missing off the coast of Greece. I have spoken with Minister @HarjitSajjan, and search and rescue efforts are currently underway. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 30, 2020
This is a developing story, more to come.