Search for missing Nunavut mayor continues

(updated Dec. 7, 5:00 p.m.)

The search for missing Kimmirut Mayor Jamesie Kootoo entered its 11th day on Dec. 6, with searchers continuing to look for Kootoo, last seen near Qurvik Lake Nov. 26.

Searchers had there hopes raised when they found the butchered carcass of a caribou and what appeared to be a snow shelter.

However, there was no way to confirm if the finds were signs of Kootoo had been there, RCMP Const. Angelique Dignard said Dec. 6.

“They found some blocks of carved snow, but cannot say with certainty if this was from the missing man or another hunter,” Dignard said.

Air and ground searchers are now taking advantage of better weather conditions by sending out numerous search teams to scour the area, a Dec. 6 news release from the RCMP said.

But the snowy, stormy weather, mixed with the rough terrain, has created difficulties for the search and rescue teams.

Several snow machines have broken down as a result of the demanding conditions.

To help them continue the search for Kootoo, the Kimmirut Search and Rescue Committee is now seeking donations in the form of cash, fuel purchase through the local co-op or snow machine parts.

The committee members have asked anyone who wants to make a donation to call 867-939-2247.

Searchers remain hopeful that Kootoo, 67, will be found alive, reports said last week.

Friends and family reported Kootoo, an experienced hunter, missing Nov. 26.

That’s when he failed to return home from what was supposed to be a one-day caribou hunting trip.

After the search was underway, air and ground crews set up a 24-hour base camp near Qurvik Lake, where Kootoo’s hunting party last saw him.

Searchers set the base camp up there because Qurvik Lake lies three hours by snowmobile from Kimmirut.

“If they hadn’t put it there, the day would be over before they started out on their search,” RCMP spokesperson Jimmy Akavak said Dec. 2.

Kootoo had stopped near the lake to try and fix a problem he was having with the pin on his qamutik, Akavak said.

And Kootoo told his companions he would catch up with them later.

The ground search teams have been made up mainly of local volunteers.

Five searchers from Iqaluit, and aerial spotters from the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association aboard a Twin Otter have also joined them, Akavak said.

“They are concentrating in one area where he could have gone and gotten stuck or run out of gas,” Akavak said. “It could be anything up there and the committee says they are not going stop until they know what happened for sure.”

This is not the first time that Kootoo has gone missing on the land.

At that time, searchers were able to locate Kootoo after he was missing for a day and a half. Kootoo’s snowmobile had fallen into a gully and he badly injured his pelvic bone and was unable to move or radio for help.

The RCMP and Nunavut Search and Rescue are also reminding everyone going out on the land to be well prepared.

Bring spare food, they say, as well as clothes, gas and shelter in case you get lost or your equipment breaks down.

And they’re advising hunters and travellers on the land to file a trip plan with their local SAR committee or with family members before they head out.