On October 8, 2009, at about 4:45pm, RCMP Gimli Detachment were advised of an overdue fisherman out on Lake Winnipeg.
RCMP were advised that a 57-year-old local area fisherman went out around 9am Thursday morning and was expected to return around noon. RCMP were informed that his truck was still parked at the local marina and his boat had not yet returned.
RCMP notified the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton. Two planes were dispatched, a CC-130 Hercules and another plane from the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association to assist with search efforts. The Canadian Coast Guard (Gimli) also sent out one of their boats to patrol the water. Gimli Fire Department was also contacted and with several volunteer members conducted foot patrols from South Beach to Willow Island while RCMP made inquiries with local residents.
Shortly before 11pm, CFB CC-130 Hercules located the 22′ aluminum fishing boat and the fisherman 7 miles east of Winnipeg Beach. The fisherman and his boat were brought back to Gimli. He was then taken to Hospital as a precaution but did not suffer any injuries.
It was reported that mechanical problems with the boat battery caused the fisherman to become stranded on the Lake.
Sgt. Line Karpish
RCMP Media Relations
(204)983-8497
