(OTTAWA) The Canadian Armed Forces announced on Tuesday that they are beginning operations to recover the wreckage of the CH-147F Chinook helicopter that fell into the Ottawa River last month near Petawawa, Ont. and Isle-aux-Allumettes, Quebec.
Two members of the Royal Canadian Air Force died when the helicopter crashed on June 20 during a routine night training exercise.
They are Captain Marc Larouche, a native of Amos, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, who was 53 years old, and Captain David Domagala, 32 years old, of Woodstock, Ontario. They were both part of the 450e Squadron.
Two other crew members survived the crash and were treated in hospital for minor injuries.
The Armed Forces said on Tuesday that they planned to raise the helicopter to the surface of the water using a crane with the support of several barges.
They added that residents of the area about 160 kilometers northwest of Ottawa can expect to see increased marine and coastal activity over the next few days.
The cause of the accident remained unknown on Wednesday. Last year, the United States Air Force temporarily grounded its fleet of Chinooks after fuel leaks caused several engine fires.
Chinook helicopters are intended for personnel and material transport and have been used in natural disasters and emergency situations across Canada. The Canadian version of the CH-147F has been modified specifically for long-haul flights and has greater fuel capacity.