PEAWANUCK - An elder walked five hours on the ice road and sparked a search and rescue effort after his snowmachine got stuck in the Far North.
Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) in Peawanuck received a call for a missing elder from Moosonee on May 1 around 10 p.m.
The 82-year-old man was visiting Peawanuck, a remote Northern Ontario community near Hudson Bay, and went to his hunting shelter, which is parallel to the winter road, said NAPS in a news release. The man was expected to return by 6 p.m., but did not report back in.
A community search team was formed to look for him and NAPS began a formal missing person's investigation. The search team located the man and returned to Peawanuck just before midnight.
"Police learned the elder's snow machine became stuck in a river that intersected with the melting winter ice road. Realizing it would be impossible to retrieve the snowmobile, the elder gathered some essentials and began his five-hour trek back to the community," said NAPS.
When the elder got back to the community, he was in good spirits and didn't need medical attention.
"NAPS would like to remind the public how important it is to ensure that friends and family are made aware of your travel plans, especially when that travel may take you to isolated and remote locations," said police.
"Make sure people know where you are going, and exactly when you expect to return. By sharing this information, people are in the best position to provide help where and when you need it most."
