A snowmobiler whose sled tipped over during a solo ride Saturday spent a harrowing night outside before finding refuge in a cabin southeast of Yellowknife, RCMP say.
The snowmobiler, a 57-year-old Yellowknife man, departed his residence at about 2 p.m. to venture down the "City Boy Loop." When he didn't return by nightfall, RCMP received a report about the "overdue" sledder, prompting a search by RCMP and Yellowknife Search & Rescue (SAR) on Sunday morning.
Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) joined the search effort with a fixed wing airplane, according to an RCMP release Tuesday.
On Sunday, shortly before 4 p.m., RCMP and SAR located the man in a cabin near Defeat Lake. Unable to get his tipped sled upright, the snowmobiler found shelter in the cabin after building a fire and sleeping outside the night before, the release stated.
The man was carrying survival gear and was left unharmed.
RCMP stress all snowmobilers should take steps to ensure their safety before hitting the trials.
"Safety gear such as: GPS device, satellite phone, extra fuel, food/water, fire starting supplies and a shovel are encouraged. In addition, it is always a good idea to ride with others, and leave a detailed route with family or friends at home," RCMP stated in the news release.
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The 57-year-old Yellowknife man was located in a cabin near Defeat Lake, shown here.