(SOUTH PORCUPINE, ON) – Members of the South Porcupine Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment, OPP Helicopter and members of the Connaught Volunteer Fire Department were conducting a land and water search in the Frederickhouse Lake area for two overdue fishermen from Iroquois Falls.
On Monday, May 19, 2014, the OPP were notified that the two men had ventured out on a fishing excursion on a handmade raft on Frederickhouse Lake and had failed to return.
Searchers concluded their comprehensive land and water search in the Frederickhouse Lake area for two overdue fishermen from Iroquois Falls.
The Iroquois Falls men, aged 23 and 25 respectively, spent an unplanned night in the bush but have returned home.
This event has a happy outcome but should serve as a cautionary tale for early season watercraft operators.
The Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind all outdoor and fishing enthusiasts to take planning seriously.
The following websites offer useful and potentially life-saving information.
Transport Canada: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm
Cold water safety: http://www.coldwatersafety.org/nccwsRules3.html
Canadian Red Cross (my favorite): http://www.redcross.ca/what-we-do/swimming-and-water-safety/swimming-boating-and-water-safety-tips
