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ROATAN, HONDURAS – Things weren’t flying well for Paul Kendall in Alberta two years ago. As oil prices tanked and Alberta’s economy foundered, the owner of Okotoks-based Hi-Wood Helicopters Ltd saw business shrivel. But little did he imagine a move to rescue his business would result in a hazardous rescue of stranded boaters in the middle of the Caribbean.

With his business drying up, Kendall, 54, began looking south, way south, for opportunity. The election of an NDP government in 2015 sealed the deal.

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After doing some research, Roatan, Honduras, seemed the answer. The small island — boasting the healthiest stretch of reef in the Caribbean — attracts divers from around the world, as well as a steady stream of cruise ships from the US.

Operating here under the name of Trade Winds Helicopters SA Roatan, Kendall’s new business offers charter tours of Roatan and the nearby islands of Utila and Guanaja. While working hard to save his own financial skin, over Easter Kendall played a key role in saving the lives of three islanders.