On November 24, 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognized members of 103 Search and Rescue Squadron with a Certificate of Commendation for Exceptional Bravery at Sea at IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom, for rescuing the crew from a disabled cargo vessel near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, on February 15, 2025.
The crew of Rescue 901 (R901) being recognized included aircraft commander Captain Matthew Cox; first officer Major Pete Wright; flight engineer Master Corporal Todd Osmond; and Search and Rescue (SAR) technicians Warrant Officer Gregory Hudson, Sergeant Sebastian Gaudet, Master Corporal Gary Normore, and Sergeant Alain Goguen, who showed remarkable resolve, courage, and tenacity during the rescue. These qualities, a hallmark of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) SAR crews, enable the CAF to work with partners to deliver 24/7 aeronautical SAR services across Canada.
During this mission, a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from 103 Search and Rescue Squadron was deployed to assist the disabled cargo vessel MSC Baltic III, which had 20 crew members aboard, including four injured personnel. Extreme weather conditions posed a significant challenge to the operation, with waves over five metres tall and winds stronger than 75 kilometres per hour. As R901 began hoist operations, it was discovered that the upper deck of the vessel was completely iced over, and that the vessel was rapidly deteriorating. R901 assessed that due to the vessel's rapid deterioration, it was necessary to extract all crew members as soon as possible. Over the next 60 minutes, R901 systematically hoisted all crew members safely and effectively while battling the dangerous weather conditions.
Despite severe weather, hazardous sea conditions, and a rapidly deteriorating vessel, the R901 crew executed a challenging SAR operation during a once-in-a-lifetime SAR event. The success of this mission was a direct result of exceptional teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability under extreme conditions.
