A Sachs Harbour man is home safe after being reported missing Tuesday morning.
RCMP were looking to set up a local Search and Rescue mission. Officers were working quickly to organize the mission, when the man had returned.
He had gone on a hunting trip Monday night. He left on an ATV with a trailer, a rifle, and some basic food supplies.
The hunter was stranded due to fog. He abandoned his trailer due to a muddy terrain.
In a statement, the RCMP have given a list of ways to be prepared when on a trip.
On land:
- Make sure your transport is in good working order.
- Carry extra fuel.
- Familiarize yourself with the area you are travelling through, know the potential hazards.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out.
On waterways:
- Be familiar with the operation of your vessel and ensure it is in proper working condition prior to heading out on the water.
- Carry extra fuel.
- Have a spare battery or a means to recharge your boat battery and a backup motor.
- Have everyone wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device.
- Familiarize yourself with the area you will be travelling, learn about local hazards.
- Familiarize yourself with marine navigation.
- Check the marine forecast before heading out and monitor the weather for changes.
- Ensure that you have the appropriate, required safety equipment for your vessel: a bailer, paddles, a whistle or horn, and a throw rope.
When travelling either land or water:
- Carry a satellite phone, marine radio, emergency communications device or other means of communication.
- Inform someone of your travel plans, where you are going, and when you plan to return.
- Carry emergency supplies and learn survival skills.
Media Relations for the NWT RCMP, Marie York-Condon, says that residents shouldn’t be afraid of exploring what the territory provides them, but that they should be careful.
“We want them to enjoy the outdoors, carry out their hunts and harvests, but to be safe and able to signal us if they are in need of assistance.”
As for the Sachs Harbour man, he was in good health and appeared unharmed.
