The seas around Cowichan Bay will be abuzz with activity Oct. 15 when a B.C. Ferry struggles through a major marine disaster as part of a joint search and rescue exercise known as SAREX.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), and 15 other emergency and law enforcement agencies will work together to conduct the exercise throughout the day.
“The purpose is to test our major maritime disaster contingency plan and also to improve inter-agency working relationships,” says exercise director Alison Keighan, who works for the Canadian Coast Guard. ..
Responding to the call will be Canadian Coast Guard vessels and hovercraft, a Canadian Navy ship, a U.S. Coast Guard patrol boat and smaller Coast Guard auxiliary boats. The U.S. Coast Guard and 442 Squadron from CFB Comox will provide air support...
Maritime Forces Pacific will contribute up to 150 members of the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets from the Victoria area and about 30 to 40 regular force personnel, who will act as casualties, and wounded and unharmed passengers...
