Nunavut search and rescue turns into a recovery mission

Pangnirtung’s Eric Joamie missing since June 19

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

A search and rescue operation in Pangnirtung has now turned into a body recovery mission.

Eric Joamie, an interpreter from Pangnirtung, has been missing since June 19.

Joamie, who was out on a hunting trip, was last seen on an all-terrain vehicle just outside of town “at the end of the road.”

Pangnirtung search and rescue workers have been looking for Joamie for a week straight. Searchers said they found the missing man’s backpack, and RCMP spokesperson Yvonne Niego they also found an item of clothing.

“It’s a body recovery now,” said Lena Angnako, a coordinator for search and rescue in Pangnirtung.

Droves of volunteers — up to 50 people at a time — have been searching for Joamie, she said.

The search is focusing on water bodies.

“We believe he got in the water. That’s our main search area, on water — by boat and people. Searching on low tide,” Angnako said.

Pangnirtung is also getting help from the hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq. Two divers are expected to arrive in the community soon to help locate the body.

“Many people are supporting us, helping us volunteer. Including the search and rescue volunteers, firefighters, rangers, and local people who are willing to volunteer to search,” Angnako said.

Angnako said members of the community have donated food for the searchers.

She added that she hoped people would respect the privacy of the family at this time.

“We thank everyone involved in the search and would like people to remember the family in their prayers,” she said.

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