News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The RCMP have now released the identity of the missing pilot of a helicopter which crashed while fighting a wildfire near Lillooet, BC. on Friday, August 15, 2009.    Missing is 53 year old Robert Christopher Woodhead of Stoney Creek Ontario.

The Bell 212 Helicopter crashed in the early evening on Friday afternoon as the pilot was refilling it's bucket.   The wreckage was spotted by rescue crews Friday from the air, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, however due to the current and river conditions they were not utilized yesterday nor is it anticipated that they will be examining the crash site itself. The current which is calculated to be running at 16 KPH creates conditions that would not permit a safe dive in the area.

Witnesses reported that the pilot did surface after the crash and was last seen in the water. "There was a second helicopter operating in the area who witnessed the crash and immediately attempted to assist Mr. Woodhead when he was seen surfacing.  A valiant attempt was made by the second pilot and machine by lowering his line and bucket into the river near Mr. Woodhead, however it was not successful and the pilot lost visual sight of Mr. Woodhead”, added RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.

Search efforts resumed early this morning with resources from the RCMP Air Services Helicopter, Lytton and Lillooet RCMP, Hope Search and Rescue, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Conservation Officers Services.

This afternoon police are meeting with family and company officials as the search carries on.

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