After more than three days of search efforts, and several days since last seen, with no signs of Ernest Raymond, Tuktoyaktuk RCMP, with assistance from partner agencies, are now in recovery mode for the missing 50-year-old man.
At approximately 3:54 p.m., on Thursday, July 16th, Tuktoyaktuk RCMP received a call for service regarding missing Ernest Raymond, after having not been seen in the community for several days.
A search and rescue operation was initiated Thursday evening. The man’s boat was recovered close to midnight on Thursday, July 16th, near the community of Tuktoyaktuk.
On Friday, July 17th, extensive marine and aerial search efforts scouted the area near the boat, including shorelines. Assistance was provided from the Canadian Rangers, Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, Transport Canada, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and Tuktoyaktuk community members. CASARA continued aerial searches over the weekend, with negative results.
In light of the search efforts that proved negative over the weekend, Tuktoyaktuk RCMP called off the search and rescue operation, and is now in recovery mode. Tuktoyaktuk RCMP has been in contact with the missing man’s family and has been updating them on the search to date.
“This is a difficult time for the community of Tuktoyaktuk. We are working hard to try to collect any information and evidence as to Ernest Raymond’s whereabouts and provide his loved-ones as to what happened. Our thoughts are with the family at this time”, states Sergeant Chris MacDonald, Tuktoyaktuk Detachment Commander.
