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By Derek Abma

A search-and-rescue technician from Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario died this week during a rescue mission in the North.

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Sgt. Janick Gilbert died Thursday night during a mission near Igloolik, Nunavut, near Baffin Island, the Department of National Defence said Friday.

His age and hometown were not immediately available, nor was the nature of the mission he was participating in.

“On behalf of the Defence family and our brave men and women in uniform, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of Sgt. Janick Gilbert, who died yesterday in Nunavut,” Lt.-Gen. Andre Deschamps, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, said in a statement.

“He lost his life in the service of his country while unselfishly answering the call for help.”

The incident is under investigation.One report indicated Gilbert jumped in the water at the northern location, along with two other technicians, to save two people stranded in a boat. The other technicians and people being rescued reportedly survived.