Norman Wells (July 31/06) - Residents of Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells continue to search for three men who are believed dead after their boat capsized more than two weeks ago.

Keith Hickling from Norman Wells helped in the search efforts for a boater a few weeks ago. He also participated in the search for three missing men last weekend. - photo courtesy of Glen Guthrie

This comes despite choppy water on the Mackenzie River, typical at this time of year, said police spokesperson Sgt. Ken Morrison.

"The river is very rough at this point in time," said Morrison.

The official search for the men, all from Fort Good Hope, was called off July 25 after five days.

It is unlikely the men are still alive, police said.

The missing men are Joe Turo, 60, Adrian Turo, 19, and Nelson Gardebois, 23.

Rescuers - including the RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard and auxiliary, members of the territorial department of environment and natural resources - searched along with family and friends using boats and helicopters.

Though their boat, back packs and life jackets were found, there has been no sign of the men.

They were travelling, along with 34-year-old Sandra T'Seleie, on the Mackenzie River from Norman Wells to their homes in Fort Good Hope on July 21 when the boat capsized. T'Seleie was found by a passing boater the next day and rescued.

Morrison said the accident was caused by poor conditions on the river.

Keith Hickling was a part of the search last weekend.

He said the situation in Norman Wells is "still pretty sensitive."

Refusing to give up hope, Hickling said Wednesday that community members prepared to go out on river again after high waves thwarted their efforts Tuesday.

Police said the men's files are still open.