Tuktoyaktuk RCMP organize Search and Rescue for two overdue hunters

October 26, 2021
Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories

News release

Tuktoyaktuk RCMP coordinated a Search and Rescue to locate two people reported overdue.

On Monday, October 25, at approximately 10:00 am, RCMP received a report that a hunting party of two males had not returned to Tuktoyaktuk per the agreed schedule. It had been almost two days since the last check in via cell phone.

RCMP began an investigation to locate the individuals. Through the investigation it was learned that the party was travelling in the Itrilek Lake area, located northeast of Tuktoyaktuk. They had departed on two snowmachines. The individuals had travelled to a cabin where they had access to food and shelter. They were able to make contact on Saturday, October 23, to confirm their safe arrival at the cabin, but they did not return to Tuktoyaktuk on October 24, the agreed upon schedule.

Inuvik Search and Rescue (SAR) was engaged. There are several bodies of water between Tuktoyaktuk and the Itrilek Lake area, and with thin ice conditions, a helicopter was recommended to be deployed. Due to ice fog conditions, the helicopter was not able to be deployed at the time.

Inuvik Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) were stood up, however, the weather conditions also kept them from being deployed at the time.

Persons known to the two overdue hunters, were familiar with the route to the cabin, and the terrain in between. They advised they could successfully navigate the route without having to cross water bodies. Armed with a satellite phone and Inreach device, the two men set out to the cabin at approximately 1:30 pm.

They made contact with the two hunters, who had elected to extend their trip, but had not communicated this back to the party in Tuktoyaktuk. The men were in good health. Using the satellite phone, they made contact with RCMP to advise hunters located safe and sound.

The party of four men returned to Tuktoyaktuk by 10:00 pm that evening in good condition.

"We are thankful the individuals were found in good health. They had prepared themselves for their journey and had a plan with a trusted person. However, they did not advise of their trip extension, which created the situation in which a SAR was organized. It is important to have emergency communications devices and to follow your plan, or advise of changes. Not doing so can put SAR personnel at risk in a SAR situation" states Staff Sergeant Bruce McGregor, North District Advisory NCO, NT RCMP.

The RCMP would like to thank the two men who had detailed knowledge of the area, and were successful at navigating to and from the cabin in challenging conditions. They also thank Inuvik SAR, Inuvik CASARA, and Canadian Helicopters, and all other citizens that contributed to the safe location of the two individuals.

This is the second time in the past month that SAR resources have been organized and persons have put themselves at risk in a situation that could have been prevented.

Below are some of the preparations and safety measures the RCMP encourages the public to follow when on our land and/or waters:

1- Ensure you carry a radio, and that it is working properly. A satellite phone and/or an emergency communication device is also recommended.

2- Have a plan in place, share it with family or a friend. Your plan should include your departure time, destination, intended return time. It should also list of who's on board, supplies on board and characteristics of your vessel (length, colour, construction material).

3- Know your position. Carry navigation equipment such as GPS, compass and radar.

4- Check the weather: always monitor and respect the weather. Weather conditions can change rapidly.

5- Always be prepared: be prepared for a delayed return. Carry extra clothing, food, water, matches, flashlights, flares, reflective clothing markers and adequate first aid kit. Individuals requiring medication should always carry an extra supply.

6- Ensure your vehicle and/or boat is in working order. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your vehicle or vessel and practice your emergency drills and skills.

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Contact information

Marie York-Condon
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Media Relations
Northwest Territories RCMP – Yellowknife, NT
RCMP.NTMedia-NTMedias.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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