The award winning team consisted of members of the Ontario Provincial Police Western Region, the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and members of the Canadian and American Coast Guards. There were other team members from many different agencies who worked alongside each other during this complex and difficult investigation and recovery.
In January 2004 shortly after take-off from the Pelee Island Airport Georgian Express Flight 126, a Cessna Caravan carrying 10 persons crashed into the frozen waters of Lake Erie. All aboard perished.
First to respond to the scene was an American Coast Guard helicopter who found wreckage on the ice surface. The American Coast Cutter Neah Bay also responded but it was obvious there were no survivors. The OPP assigned an Incident Commander and the team of officers and support staff was assembled.
The sight of the crash was 26 kilometres from shore in Lake Erie. The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit arrived the following day but could only survey the sight from a helicopter as they awaited the arrival of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Samuel Risley that was coming from Sault Ste. Marie.
Community Services officers set up a Family Centre at the local Lions Club to provide a place for family members to gather in privacy and be briefed on the progress of the search and recovery efforts. Crime Unit investigators on behalf of the Regional Coroner set up a major case management system to proceed to investigate and gather information and evidence to assist in locating the plane, identifying loved ones and piecing together circumstances around the crash. OPP Media relations set up a system to manage the tremendous media interest in this accident. OPP personnel planned for a temporary morgue to receive the bodies of the victims once located.
Gale force winds, subzero temperatures and moving ice packs severely hampered the efforts of the Underwater Search and Recovery Unit. For eight days the search continued using both a remotely operated vehicle and divers.
On land, personnel at the incident command post worked tirelessly on all aspects of the incident. A strong partnership and spirit of team morale developed between the members of the Canadian Coast Guard, Transportation Safety Board, Regional Coroners office and the OPP.
When the wreckage was finally detected it was confirmed by underwater video that all 10 persons were still onboard. Over the course of four days, the wreckage was surveyed and hoisted to the surface.
During the 12 days that the operation took place rarely did the weather relent and when it did only for very brief intervals. With the exception of one day, the Samuel Risley and crew stayed on station at the site of the crash, serviced only by a helicopter when weather and ice conditions permitted.
The mission was completed through a co-operative effort of all the agencies working diligently for endless hours with little sleep. All members performed their jobs with the utmost professionalism and compassion for the families of the victims.
While tragic, it was a true example of teamwork involving multi-disciplines of expertise in the worst weather conditions.
Team members present to accept the award included: Constable Lee Batte of the OPP Western Region and Sergeant Wayne MacPherson, Constable Paul Connell and Constable Bonnie Coultis of the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.
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