Gilbert Laporte, cameraman for CBC RDI, spotted the wreckage from the shores of Pointe-Claire after hearing of a helicopter being reported missing.

Gilbert Laporte - On scene where he spotted the helicopter

While covering another story in Longueuil, Mr. Laporte was informed of a helicopter that had possibly gone down in Lake St-Louis.  Knowing the area, he proceeded to the best vantage point he knew.  The shores of Pointe-Claire near the historic windmill.  After arriving he noticed through his camera lens a possible location for the wreckage and contacted 911.  Police, Fire and the Coast Guard were alerted and Pointe-Claire Rescue was requested to provide a Ski-Doo and Rescue Sled to safely reach and retrieve the victim.

Mr. Laporte, a part time firefighter noticed movement around the scene of the crash and decided that since the visibility was worsening due to the snow squall, that he would take the risk to venture onto the ice to possibly make contact.  After a few hundred feet out he noticed the lone pilot of the helicopter a Bell Jet Ranger, walking toward the flashing lights of the emergency vehicles.  Immediately, the Firefighters and Police Officers on scene decided that they had to act and improvised a rescue sled and intercepted the victim about 400 m from the shore.  They packaged the pilot up and transported her to a waiting ambulance who then whisked her away to the hospital.

While talking to Mr. Laporte this morning on the shores of Pointe-Claire, he said that, "he will be wearing this smile all day as happy moments like this do not happen all the time in these type of situations."

Great job to all personnel who responded.  Quick actions, good judgement and teamwork saved this women's life.

Paul McLean

Director

Sauvetage Pointe-Claire Rescue