A helicopter crash in Nunavut has killed three people, including two flight crew and a wildlife biologist.
The aircraft was part of Yellowknife-based Great Slave Helicopters. According to a news release, the company was notified of an overdue aircraft about 4:45 p.m. on Sunday.
A twin otter plane was dispatched to the last known area of the helicopter and found debris of the AS350-B2 about 22 kilometres south west of Resolute Bay.
The crash happened near Griffith Island.
RCMP, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and Canadian Rangers coordinated a search team and found the three bodies at the crash site.
The victims’ names have not been released.
“We share the grief of the friends and family of the victims. We request privacy for them and the company as we get through these difficult times,” reads the release. “This event is currently under active investigation and more information will be released when available.”
Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq issued a statement later on Monday saying, “I was devastated to the hear news of a fatal helicopter crash near Resolute Bay last
night… This is especially hard and personal, as this crash occurred during a trip to survey the Lancaster Sound polar bear population, undertaken by my Department of Environment.”
Updated April 26, 3:20 p.m. with the statement by Premier Savikataaq.
