Master Seaman passes away after sustaining injuries in an industrial accident

After sustaining injuries in an industrial accident at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Patricia Bay, BC, Master Seaman Guillermo Morales Castellon passed away on Friday, Nov. 25.

“My deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Master Seaman Guillermo Morales Castellon during this extremely difficult time; we are all saddened by the loss. Personnel from CFB Esquimalt and the Canadian Armed Forces will continue to provide support to his family while they deal with this tragedy,” stated Capt.(Navy) Steven Waddell, CFB Esquimalt Base Commander.

The accident took place on Nov. 21. No other personnel were involved.

Castellon joined the Army Reserve, 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery in 1995. He later transferred to the Naval Reserve and served on Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Donnacona in 1998.

In 2014, Castellon accepted a transfer into the Regular Forces where he was posted to CFB Esquimalt Base logistics. He served as part of the Patricia Bay Supply Team supporting 443 Squadron.

MS Castellon’s spouse issued the following statement:

“Guillermo was fully committed to his work. Meticulous and highly professional, he was extremely rule-oriented, he cared deeply about justice, and he had much respect for hierarchy (chain of command). He made sure his work and the work of his subordinates was performed efficiently. He was proactive, always taking initiative and making decisions in order to optimize his work and the work of his unit. Above all, he wanted to foster a good work environment.

“Work safety was one of his main priorities. He always made sure everyone was safe before performing a dangerous task or operation. This quality was also reflected in his personal life; he constantly watched over me, regardless of the distance between Montreal and Victoria.

“He freely gave his time in service to others, and he was always ready to help. His colleagues’ and his loved ones’ well-being were always on his mind. His empathy made him eager to connect with other people.

“His love of nature, his passion for cooking and entertaining, his smile and his warmth made him a man who loved life and cared about people.

“We are experiencing a tremendous loss, the loss of a special person blessed with utmost human quality.”

The Commander of the Maritime Forces Pacific also issued a statement on Monday, Nov. 28, sending his condolences to the family.

In his statement, RAdm. Art McDonald said, “As can be appreciated, the men and women of Maritime Forces Pacific, CFB Esquimalt, and 443 Squadron are extremely saddened by his passing. It is never easy to accept the sudden loss of a shipmate and friend.

“MS Morales Castellon immigrated to Canada from Honduras and made the choice to faithfully serve our country for the last 22 years in the Army Reserve, Naval Reserve and as a member of the Regular Force.

“To his friends and colleagues he was Will, a guy who loved to chat, was extremely likeable and who took time to truly connect with people.

“On behalf of the Navy family, I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this difficult time.”

An investigation is currently ongoing by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Services (CFNIS) to determine the circumstances surrounding Castellon’s death.