Wondering why a search and rescue copter was hovering over downtown yesterday?

If you were downtown or on the city's waterfront yesterday afternoon, you may have noticed a yellow and red Search and Rescue helicopter hovering low overhead.

We now know why.

Today, a public affairs officer for the Canadian Forces confirmed that a CH-146 Griffon SAR helicopter from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron was tasked to respond to an active Emergency Locator Transmitter in Sault Ste. Marie on Aug. 15.

"The signal was homed to a boat in a marina with no distress and the crew returned to Trenton," said Capt. Rachel Brosseau, public affairs officer with 8 Wing Trenton.

Shortly after 1 p.m. on Thursday, the helicopter was seen hovering in the area of the Civic Marina downtown before it flew west out of town.

SooToday reached out to Sault Police regarding the helicopter shortly after it was sighted on Thursday. Police spokesperson Lincoln Louttit said the department was not aware of any active Search and Rescue operation at the time.

Brosseau said the 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron "remains ready to respond to air and maritime distress calls in the JRCC Trenton region 24/7, 365 days a year."