photo sourced from Facebook
A search and rescue operation has been launched for a group of overdue travellers who left Dettah Monday evening en route to Lutsel K’e
Yellowknife RCMP initiated the search effort after receiving a report of the overdue travellers on Tuesday evening, around 7:20 p.m.
After another full day of search efforts yielding no results, RCMP released the names of two of the travellers on Wednesday.
“Missing are Samuel Boucher, 65, Cammy Boucher, 23, and an unknown male in their company. If anyone has any information on their whereabouts, please contact your nearest RCMP detachment,” states an RCMP news release.
They were bound for Lutsel K’e aboard a “1990’s era Black Bombardier Scandic two seater,” which was towing two toboggans.
Police believe they departed for their destination around 10:30 p.m. Monday. At least one of the members is believed to be an experienced traveller. RCMP also believe the group had equipment appropriate for travelling on the land.
An air search, over a portion of Great Slave Lake, was launched Tuesday evening.
The air search effort is continuing Wednesday.
Ground searches have been stalled due to “treacherous” ice conditions, according to Wednesday’s news release.
Police are dissuading residents from undertaking their own individual searches due to deteriorating ice conditions.
“At this time, RCMP have a coordinated search effort under way,” states Sgt. Yannick Hamel, of the Yellowknife RCMP Detachment.
“We do not want community volunteers to put themselves at risk, despite their good intentions to assist” he added.
Police stated Thursday at press time that the search was continuing.
RCMP will be providing updates as the search and rescue mission continues.