Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Amundsen

A helicopter that tragically went down on September 9, resulting in the loss of three lives, has been successfully recovered from the depths of the Arctic Ocean. The recovery mission, which commenced following the helicopter's discovery on September 23, was executed by a dedicated team comprising members from the Canadian Coast Guard research vessels CCGS 'Amundsen' and CCGS 'Henry Larsen,' alongside ArcticNet and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). On September 25, the wreckage was successfully brought to the surface and hoisted onto the deck of the 'Amundsen.' It was later transferred to the 'Larsen,' which is now transporting the debris to Resolute, Nunavut. This step is crucial for facilitating a thorough investigation by the TSB. Among the individuals lost in the crash was University of Manitoba scientist Klaus Hochheim, who was conducting routine ice condition assessments prior to the vessel's journey. The incident also claimed the lives of Canadian Coast Guard pilot Daniel Dube and Amundsen's commander Marc Thibault. For photo coverage and further details, visit the Winnipeg Free Press article.

The helicopter involved in a tragic crash in the M'Clure Strait has been located at a depth of 450 metres beneath rocky Arctic waters. This spacecraft belonged to the vessel 'Amundsen,' which had previously returned to Resolute Bay, Nunavut, after successfully retrieving the bodies of its crew members following the incident. After the recovery of the bodies, 'Amundsen' made a second trip to the crash site to locate the wreckage of the helicopter. A remote-operated vehicle (ROV) played a crucial role, discovering the helicopter on the seafloor. The recovery operation is being carried out with the collaboration of the coast guard, ArcticNet, and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). However, recovering the helicopter presents significant challenges due to severe ice formations and unpredictable weather conditions in the region. The primary focus remains on the safety of all personnel and assets involved in this complex operation. In addition to the 'Amundsen,' the Coast Guard icebreaker 'Henry Larsen' is aiding the recovery efforts by clearing ice around the recovery area. For a successful retrieval, the ship must maintain stability; excessive ice can hinder progress, necessitating the removal of blocks of ice before lifting the wreckage. As of now, hopes are pinned on completing the helicopter recovery by the end of September 25. Once recovered, the helicopter will be transported to a TSB laboratory for a comprehensive investigation, where experts will inspect various components, including the engines, transmission, blades, and the wreckage itself, to uncover the causes of the crash.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, three men who tragically perished following the crash of a Canadian Coast Guard helicopter in the Arctic Ocean last week succumbed not to the impact of the crash, but to hypothermia, according to preliminary autopsy findings. The victims, identified as Marc Thibault, commander of the research vessel "Amundsen"; Daniel Dubé, the helicopter pilot; and Klaus Hochheim, a researcher focused on sea ice studies, were reportedly unharmed in the crash. They were submerged in freezing waters for approximately one hour before rescue teams were able to retrieve them. Despite being equipped with survival suits, the icy conditions proved too severe. The helicopter, a Messerschmitt BO 105S, was on an essential reconnaissance mission assessing ice conditions in the region when it went down in the McClure Strait, situated about 600 kilometers west of Resolute. Notably, the helicopter was mere minutes from the "Amundsen" when radio communication was lost. Efforts to regain contact were underway, which extended the time until the crew was located, leading to the tragic outcomes. Meanwhile, the Transportation Safety Board is actively investigating the incident and working to recover the wreckage of the helicopter.