Search ends for missing crew, patient in Airmedic helicopter crash

The search for three people missing after a medical evacuation helicopter crashed late Friday night near Natashquan on Quebec's North Shore is over. 

Montreal-area company Airmedic said in a news release Wednesday night that divers with Quebec provincial police had located the bodies of two crew members and a patient in Lake Watshishou, located roughly 1,000 kilometres northeast of Montreal. 

The helicopter was also located in the lake, ending the six-day search.

"This confirmation has deeply moved our team," wrote Airmedic spokesperson Raphaële Bourgault. "A time of remembrance begins for the Airmedic family. We will take the time to pay tribute to them and honour their commitment."

The Airmedic helicopter carrying four crew members and one passenger crashed into Watshishou Lake around 10:30 p.m. Friday during a medical transport.

One of the crew members managed to escape in circumstances that are still unclear. That person was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Another crew member's body was recovered Monday night.

The identity of the victims will be released by the coroner once formal identification has been completed and the family's consent is obtained, the company said.

"Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and colleagues affected by this loss, as well as with the family of our patient, to whom we extend our most sincere condolences," Bourgault said. 

Airmedic announced earlier this week that it was suspending its air operations until further notice in order to prioritize the well-being of its teams and offer them the support they need.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating.