Search and rescue team awarded Exceptional Bravery at Sea Commendation

December 8, 2025 - Royal Canadian Air Force

Estimated read time - 2:00

By: Lieutenant Cammeron Radford, Canadian Joint Operations Command Public Affairs

Rescue 901 (R901), a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter crew of seven Canadian Armed Forces members, successfully rescued 20 stranded cargo vessel crew members amidst horrendous and punishing weather conditions on February 15, 2025, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Waves lashed the faded red hull of MSC Baltic III, the cargo vessel stranded aground near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland. The tips of the waves climbed onto the deck, spraying frigid, frozen water amidst the vessel's cranes and shipping containers. The 20 crew members, four of whom were injured, had watched as their vessel had rapidly drifted toward the coast, requiring near immediate intervention from search and rescue.

R901 arrived on scene despite severe turbulence creating a difficult and complicated approach. The Cormorant helicopter was able to break through the heavy layer of cloud at 800 feet above the water and use the vessel's emergency position-indicating radio beacon to help locate MSC Baltic IIIrolling against the rocky shoreline. Severe turbulence above the deck of the cargo vessel required Aircraft Commander Captain Matthew Cox and First Officer Major Pete Wright to hand-fly the helicopter, constantly adjusting and battling the elements to maintain a steady hover through precise coordination and skill.

While the pilots battled to maintain a safe platform to hoist from, Search and Rescue (SAR) Technicians Warrant Officer Gregory Hudson, Sergeant Sebastian Gaudet, Master Corporal (MCpl) Gary Normore, and Sergeant Alain Goguen worked with Flight Engineer MCpl Todd Osmond to systematically hoist all twenty MSC Baltic IIIcrew members off the iced-over ship deck in one 60 minute session using a seamless hoisting system to expedite the extraction process.

This mission was dynamic, with evolving challenges requiring continuous adaptation. Despite severe weather, hazardous sea conditions, and a rapidly deteriorating vessel, the R901 crew executed a textbook SAR operation during a once-in-a-lifetime SAR event, safely extracting all 20 crew members, including four injured individuals. The success of this mission was a direct result of exceptional teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability under extreme conditions.

In recognition of this astounding rescue carried out by R901, the crew was awarded the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Certificate of Commendation for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, which the crew accepted in person at the IMO Awards Ceremony at IMO Headquarters in London, UK, on November 24. The award is meant to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea, or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment.