Update 09:44 Thursday, July 7: Five boaters who were stranded on Great Slave Lake are said to be in good health after being rescued Wednesday night.
The family departed Yellowknife on Saturday and was bound for Lutselk’e, a small First Nation community about 200 kilometres east of the city, when they were reported overdue by RCMP on Wednesday.
A search and rescue mission was initiated involving military aircraft, police and civilian crews.
According to an official with Joint Task Force, the family was located near Ethan Island after running out of fuel.
“It is important to be prepared, have the proper equipment, and be aware of weather conditions before heading out on the water,” said RCMP Sgt. Bruce McGregor in a statement.
“This search ended successfully, but we are concerned that others may not fare so well if heading out unprepared.”
After search and rescue officials onboard a CC-130 Hercules spotted the 18-foot aluminum vessel, RCMP and Environment Canada were dispatched by boat from Lutselk’e.
The boaters were returned to the small community and are said to be in good health.
