Three die in Canadian Coast Guard helicopter crash during Arctic ice patrol

[muriel_volestrangler]

Three people are dead after a Canadian Coast Guard helicopter crashed in Arctic waters during a routine patrol to check ice conditions.

The helicopter had been stationed on the icebreaker Amundsen, which was sailing through M'Clure Strait in the western Arctic as part of a regular program of scientific study.

Those killed have been identified as Marc Thibault, commanding officer of the ship, helicopter pilot Daniel Dube and Klaus Hochheim, a veteran University of Manitoba Arctic scientist.

"We are deeply affected by this tragedy," said Mario Pelletier, the coast guard's assistant commissioner. "Our deepest condolences go to the families of our colleagues, who we like to think of as our friends."

http://www.montrealgazette.com/touch/news/national/Canadian+Press+NewsAlert+Coast+guard+chopper+crashes/8892952/story.html?rel=7589146

How sad. It's important work they do, and not without risk.

[darkangel218]

1. I have never and will never get on an helicopter.

People just underestimate the risks.