With snow in the forecast for most of the day, weather could play a factor in today's search efforts for a missing Kapuskasing couple.
"We are keeping an eye on the weather and plan to launch as many aircraft and search as much as possible, while ensuring the safety of our crews," said Capt. Graeme Scott in an update.
Nicole and Jody Blais were last seen Monday, March 4 around 7 p.m. leaving Sudbury via helicopter. They didn’t arrive at their destination, a hangar in Fauquier.
The missing helicopter is a grey Robinson R66 with white and orange trim.
About two-thirds of the way into the flight, which is around the Timmins airport, a text message was sent from someone in the helicopter to a family member.
Search master Capt. Martin Zimmer said yesterday that while they hope that means the aircraft got at least that far into the route, they don’t know if the pilot turned around due to weather or other reasons.
Typically, he said the pilot would call the Timmins airport when flying by, and that didn’t happen.
Yesterday, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) declared a major search and rescue operation. This allows for more Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) personnel and assets to help with the search.
Aircraft from across the RCAF and other government departments are being used.
The aircraft currently being used are:
• two CC-130 Hercules aircraft and two CH-146 Griffon Helicopters from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 8 Wing Trenton
• a CC-130 Hercules from 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, 17 Wing Winnipeg
• a CH-146 Griffon Helicopter from 439 Combat Support Squadron, 3 Wing Bagotville
• a CP-140 Aurora from 405 Long Range Patrol Squadron, 14 Wing Greenwood
• a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) helicopter, and a CASARA aircraft
In his update on the search yesterday, Zimmer said they were working to bring in a maritime aircraft equipped with heat and metal sensors.
Scott said the CP-140 Aurora “flew yesterday for several hours but did not pick up anything of interest to this case.”
“We are hoping that it will be able to search again today (weather permitting).
Family and friends have also been calling out for volunteers on social media and searching via snowmobile.
The main search headquarters at the Timmins airport is working with the family's efforts.
In an update on Facebook, Gilbert Mondoux said visibility is very bad today.
If you've seen a helicopter matching the description or have seen signs of a possible crash site, members of the public can call 705-268-2608 ext. 234.
