Search and rescue teams from 19 Wing Comox have conducted three medical evacuations from cruise ships near northern Vancouver Island within a week. The latest operation occurred on September 14, 2026, when a passenger in distress was located approximately 450 kilometers northwest of Port Hardy. Two rescue technicians were deployed from a hovering Cormorant helicopter to assist with the transfer of the patient, who was subsequently flown to Port Hardy and handed over to paramedics.
In a previous mission, crews successfully airlifted a passenger from a cruise ship about 200 kilometers northwest of Port Hardy, transporting them to Comox for necessary medical treatment. Additionally, another call involved a crew member reported to be in critical condition, who was also flown to Comox, where arrangements were made for immediate hospital transport by B.C. Emergency Health Services.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria coordinated all three operations, deploying both a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft. However, specific details regarding the medical conditions of the patients have not been disclosed by officials.
