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Mr. Joseph Richard Pierre Forand

Sandspit, British Columbia

Decorations for Bravery

  • Medal of Bravery

    Awarded on: 1986-04-07
    Invested on: 1986-06-13
    Shortly before dawn on February 7, 1985, Pierre Forand faced considerable hazards when, alone in his helicopter, he went to the rescue of the passengers of Sunseeker, floundering off Port Eliza. An initial low-level pass showed Sunseeker listing badly, convincing Mr. Forand that speed was essential. Placing life-vests in a net, he extended the cable some 12 metres below the helicopter and, despite the risks, deposited the net on the deck. Sunseeker's rigging, flailing wildly in the heavy seas, struck the helicopter, but Mr. Forand managed to maintain his precarious hover. Aware that the slightest false move could release the cable he flew the six victims one after the other to shore, visible only because of the snow. He flew over the site for one last check; the boat had disappeared.