Hay River RCMP and Joint Rescue Command Center (Trenton) are continuing the search and rescue operation for four overdue fishermen on Great Slave Lake.
On Tuesday, October 1, the search efforts will focus on the northern shores of Great Slave Lake, from Yellowknife to Gros Cap, and from Hardisty Island toward the Mackenzie River.
“We are continuing to coordinate the search efforts with the possibility of bringing additional aircraft and vessels” Sergeant Brandon Humbke, Hay River Detachment NCO said.
Aircraft from 440 Squadron and the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association have been deployed. JRCC has also deployed a Hercules aircraft and a Griffon helicopter to Great Slave Lake to assist with the search effort.
Vessels from the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (from Hay River and Yellowknife), and, Canadian Coast Guard are engaged in grid searches between Hay River and Sulphur Point.
On Monday, September 30, 2019, Hay River RCMP received a report of overdue fishermen believed to be travelling by boat on Great Slave Lake.
The group of four men left the commercial dock in Hay River early on Sunday, September 29, to travel to Sulphur Point, on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, to check fishing nets.
On Monday, September 30, aircraft from 440 Squadron searched the south shoreline from Hay River to Pine Point, then extended the search area north on Great Slave Lake. Transport Canada aircraft, utilizing radar and infrared equipment searched the lake and the area between Hay River and Yellowknife.
“If there is any information on the missing person’s location(s), we ask you to contact the Hay River detachment,” Sgt Humbke said.
The weather conditions on the lake improved overnight, however, RCMP is urging community volunteers to not put themselves at risk, despite their good intentions to assist.
Updates will be provided as information becomes available.
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