The Canadian Armed Forces is continuing a search for a missing master sailor who may have fallen overboard from the HMCS Winnipeg during an exercise in the Pacific Ocean.
Duane Earle is a Boatswain from Winnipeg.
The investigation is ongoing, but it is believed Earle fell overboard early Monday morning while the ship was 500 nautical miles west of San Francisco.
"It is with heavy hearts that we have learned of the devastating news that Master Sailor Duane Earle, a Boatswain with HMCS Winnipeg is missing," said Chief of Defence Staff, General Jonathan Vance.
The ship was on its way back to Esquimalt B.C., after taking part in Operations PROJECTION and NEON.
His disappearance was not noticed until later in the day.
At that point, HMCS Winnipeg turned back around, deployed a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter, and began the search.
"We are dedicating all available resources to search for Master Sailor Duane Earle in hopes of bringing him home," said National Defence Minister Harit Sajjan. "I keep his family and friends in my thoughts."
The effort is being coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Alameda County, California and includes the Royal Canadian Airforce and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Canadian Armed Forces said Earle's family has been notified and is receiving support through "this difficult time."
The HMCS Winnipeg was deployed in the Asia-Pacific region in September. It has 230 professional officers and sailors.
