Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sean Loutitt, a pilot from Calgary, who once again displayed the kind of courage and skill of which we can all be proud. Mr. Loutitt, along with a second plane piloted by Jim Haffey, made an extraordinary rescue at the South Pole yesterday.
This weekend Mr. Loutitt and his crew successfully completed the daring rescue of an American worker who needed urgent medical attention at the Amundsen-Scott Polar Research Station.
The Twin Otter plan left Calgary almost two weeks ago but could not attempt the rescue until now because of poor weather conditions. After more than 24 hours, they arrived safely at Punta Arenas International Airport in Chile.
I ask the House to join me in extending our congratulations and our thanks to Mr. Loutitt, his crew and all the other brave Canadians who undertake dangerous missions like this one to save the lives of others.