TIKIRARJUAQ/WHALE COVE
Three men are presumed dead after their snow machine fell through the ice near Whale Cove Saturday morning.

Four men, aged 27 to 55, were in a group travelling from Rankin Inlet to Arviat.

RCMP received a call around 8:30 a.m.

"It was believed they were transporting a truck and snowmobiles with a large snowmobile (Bombardier) and qamutik, when they fell through," stated Sgt. David Lawson in a Jan. 21 release.

"One male survived and one was confirmed deceased. Two others are presumed deceased and have not been located. They are all from the community of Rankin Inlet."

Whale Cove RCMP and the Office of the Chief Coroner are following the accident and will release additional information as it is available.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and communities of Whale Cove, Arviat and Rankin Inlet through this difficult time," stated Lawson.