Star of Courage
Awarded on: 2012-06-14
Invested on: 2012-09-19
Marcel BOUFFARD, S.C.
Star of Courage
On September 16, 2010, Marcel Bouffard rescued his elderly friend after their boat had capsized in the Côte-Sainte-Catherine Bassin, Quebec. The two men were fishing during a light drizzle when the wind and rain suddenly intensified. When the friend reached to pull up the anchor, the boat tipped over and sent them both into the water. Mr. Bouffard grabbed his friend with one hand and held on to the hull of the boat with the other. For nearly two hours in the heavy downpour, Mr. Bouffard held on to the panicked man as they made slow progress towards the shore. Once on land, Mr. Bouffard left the semi-conscious victim in a secure location and, in total darkness, made his way through difficult terrain to get help. Thanks to Mr. Bouffard's tenacity and courageous efforts, his friend survived.