Water Taxi operator honoured for aiding in critical incident

Bowen resident Mike Laudrum was recognized with an RCMP commendation this week for his actions during a recent life-saving event.

As the operator of water taxi service Cormorant Marine, Laudrum is no stranger to helping people on the island. This has been evidenced on many occasions when the ferry fails to run, including this summer when half-a-day’s sailings were cancelled during a busy summer weekend. Laudrum and his company put several boats from their fleet to use into the night to make sure Islanders could get home from the mainland, and that visitors stranded on Bowen could return as well.

Laudrum is also one of the drivers of the Ambulance Boat, the Bowen Responder, which is used to transport patients quickly from Bowen to the mainland for medical treatment. While he is used to situations where time is of the essence, a late-October call for assistance went above and beyond Mike’s usual tasks around Howe Sound.

It was the night of Saturday, October 28, and a serious incident was unfolding on Gambier Island. The island is normally under the coverage area of the Sunshine Coast RCMP, however their police boat wasn’t working. As a result Bowen Island RCMP received the call for help. While the local detachment doesn’t have a boat, they knew someone who might be able to help.

“We called Mike that night, late at night, and he did not hesitate to come out and get out of bed,” said Bowen Island RCMP Cpl. Robert Notari during Laudrum’s commendation ceremony on Dec. 4. Shortly after receiving the call Laudrum was in the Cove and setting sail with officers to respond to the rapidly unfolding situation.

Sea to Sky RCMP Officer in Charge, Inspector Robert Dykstra, made the trip to Bowen on Monday to present Laudrum with his commendation. He spoke about the actions Laudrum took that ultimately resulted in everyone involved making it out alive that night. “Mike assisted police by providing transportation via water taxi towards a situation that quickly evolved into a high-risk life threatening event. Without hesitation Mike continued to work with RCMP at the scene by providing operational support to ensure the safety of police officers on-board his vessel.”

“The subject was in critical condition and needed urgent medical care. Mike provided transport back to Sunshine Coast where the patient was airlifted to the hospital. We believe Mike’s involvement in this critical incident was instrumental in saving the patient’s life, and we commend Mike for his actions,” said Dykstra.

“In a community like Bowen Island it’s really challenging with only three members that work here. You can’t do policing without the assistance and support of the community. That includes people like Mike who step up on their own time and come in and give a hand when necessary… In this particular instance it was another example of someone in the community stepping up when a critical need was there, and it’s greatly appreciated,” added Dykstra.

Laudrum also received an RCMP Challenge Coin for his actions. He has since returned to his regular scheduled service with Cormorant Marine. While Laudrum has shown he is always willing to help out the community, Dykstra noted the Bowen Island detachment is working to acquire their own boat for future emergencies.