By Chris Brown

Crashed during NATO training

One dead, five missing after Canadian military helicopter crash near Greece

Apr 30, 2020 | 10:06 AM

The Prime Minister’s daily address to Canadians today was a decidedly different one than the past few weeks.

What had normally been focused on the COVID-19 pandemic was instead an update on the search for a Canadian Armed Forces CH-148 Cyclone helicopter involved in an accident during a NATO training exercise off the coast of Greece.

Of the six crew onboard, one casualty was recovered and five are missing, said Justin Trudeau. Search efforts are ongoing.

“All of them are heroes, each of them leave a void that cannot be filled,” said Trudeau. “This is another very hard day for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Armed Forces family. I am deeply sorry for your loss.”

Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jonathan Vance confirmed the body of Sub.-Lt. Abbigail Cowbrough has been recovered.

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The helicopter was flying from HMCS Fredericton, home port of Halifax, as part of Operation Reassurance.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said the cause of the helicopter crash still unknown but flight data recorder has been recovered.

The Canadian Armed Forces Flight Safety team is en route to investigate.

Speaking from Parliament Hill, Trudeau said that the Canadian Armed Forces are always there for Canadians.

“They step towards danger so the rest of us can stay safe,” he said. “Here at home, we turn to the forces in times of flood, fire, and other natural disasters. They never say no, they always put their shoulder to the wheel. And now, as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Armed Forces are on the frontlines in our seniors home helping to protect and care for our most vulnerable citizens.”

Members of the Forces are in continuing care facilities in Ontario and Quebec.

Taking a question on the COVID-19 recovery and support efforts, Trudeau said the government will continue to support Canadians and he has confidence Canadians can come back stronger than ever.

As of Thursday morning, Canada had 52,056 confirmed cases, zero probable cases and 3,082 deaths. There have been 788,283 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 5,165 cases and 87 deaths. A total of 136,511 Albertans have been tested.