Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Iglulik (July 25/05) -A search and rescue operation involving the Coast Guard, the military, the RCMP and volunteers has been called off.

Two missing hunters from Iglulik strolled back into the hamlet at 11 p.m. on July 22, three days late, but safe and sound.

"We have had terrible weather and they were waiting for it to clear. As soon as they got back, they called us, and we called off the search," said RCMP Cpl Andre Turcotte.

Two Hercules aircraft and one Coast Guard vessel were called in to help search for two overdue hunters, but had to fight heavy fog that enveloped the community.

Community members were already searching in their boats. Diamond companies and one airline also helped.

The men left by boat on July 11 to hunt caribou. They were expected to return on July 18. Family members notified RCMP on July 19. The hunters were believed headed for Nuvuit Peninsula.

Both hunters are experienced and were well equipped. They brought tents, all the necessary gear, and enough food for one week, Turcotte said.