On November 16, 2010, at about 10pm, Island Lake RCMP were advised of an overdue family traveling by boat.
RCMP investigators immediately made contact with community members and discovered that a 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old woman and their 1-year-old infant had left their home in St. Theresa Point at about 3pm, traveling by boat to Garden Hill. When they were not heard from, police were notified.
Community members searched the area by boat looking for the family without success.
The Island Lake RCMP Detachment chartered a helicopter and at first light began a search of the area. The missing family was spotted within minutes, approximately one mile east of St. Theresa Point. Their boat had become swamped by waves and the family had spent the night on shore in a swampy area with a small fire.
Due to poor landing conditions, the helicopter pilot was forced to touch down in a very wet, swampy area. An RCMP member lept from the helicopter into hip-deep ice and water and assisted the woman and the baby into the helicopter. They were taken to the local nursing station for observation.
The helicopter made a second trip and picked up the man and the RCMP member who had stayed behind.
All three were reported in good condition after spending a cold night lakeside.
Cst. Miles Hiebert
RCMP Media Relations
Tel:(204)983-8497
