Search is on for couple on the land near Naujaat

Search efforts are underway in the Naujaat area following reports that two community members are missing.

A team embarked on the search for Elizabeth Mapsalak and Scott Mapsalak early Wednesday morning, said Benoit Malliki, acting manager for the Naujaat Hunters and Trappers Organization.

It’s unclear when the couple went missing. Nunatsiaq News was unable to reach family for comment.

The territorial government’s Nunavut Emergency Management Division is in contact with local officials and co-ordinating to support ongoing ground search efforts, said Ryleigh McPherson, spokesperson with the Department of Community Services.

“Local ground search and rescue remain active in the area, co-ordinating closely with the hamlet and [emergency management] as conditions evolve,” McPherson said.

The search is being coordinated locally by the Hamlet, with the community Ground Search and Rescue team and volunteers leading efforts on the land.

“Approximately 30 searchers are involved, using ATVs and other on-the-land equipment suited to current conditions. [Nunavut Emergency Management] remains in contact with the hamlet and co-ordinating partners to provide support as needed,” McPherson said.

“Weird” ice conditions in the area may be the reason the couple are having difficulty, Malliki suggested.

“The weather we’ve got right now was supposed to come in last month,” he said. “October we’re supposed to have more snow, but there’s not much. That’s strange.”

Hunters are still using ATVs on the land. By Halloween, hunters are usually travelling by snow machine, he said.

“The snow is hard ice. It’s everywhere.”

Some board members with the organization have joined the search.

Visibility in the region at midday Wednesday was 24 kilometres, with a northeasterly wind travelling at 19 km/h with a -10 C wind chill, according to Environment Canada.