Photo: Search for missing Nunavut MLA continues March 30

A Canadian armed forces Cormorant helicopter, from the 103 search and rescue squadron based in Gander, Nfld., lands at the Iqaluit airport March 29. As of the morning of March 30, searchers have found no sign of Uqqummiut MLA Paulooise Keyootak and two other men who have been missing since March 22. The Cormorant and a second Hercules aircraft sent by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax will continue to search along the Pangnirtung trail and east into Cumberland Sound and Frobisher Bay. Three ground searchers from Pangnirtung, out on the trail for two days, will be relieved by another team from that community. About 10 to 15 volunteers will also leave Iqaluit today to aid in the ground search. “These guys are hunters, they have skills. As far as survival skills go they’re well equipped,” said Nunavut government spokesperson Kris Mullaly, speaking about the missing men. Mullaly said they got a call about the overdue hunters March 26 and search efforts began Sunday, March 27. Keyootak’s group departed Iqaluit for Qikiqtarjuaq via Pangnirtung March 22 but did not arrive in Pang March 24 as expected. The Iqaluit search and rescue commitee is looking for more volunteer searchers and spotters. Volunteers should call 975-7900. (PHOTO BY FRANK REARDON)