Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Fort McPherson (July 23/01) - A 30-year-old Fort McPherson man is believed drowned after his empty boat was found floating on the Peel River.

Police received a report of an abandoned boat floating north on the river on July 13. The boat was identified as belonging to Edwin John Francis, whose rifle and backpack were found on the boat.

Fort McPherson RCMP and volunteers conducted "extensive" patrols both north and south of the river, but there is little hope evident that Francis will be found alive.

"I would have to say right now that it's a recovery operation," said Sgt. Kurt Lozinski, Fort McPherson RCMP detachment commander.

Lozinski said that there was no indication that Francis' 16-foot Lund motorboat had come loose of its moorings while ashore.

"The lines were found inside the boat -- not outside -- meaning he was probably in the boat and away from the shore."

One searcher, who did not identify himself, said his search party came up empty-handed.

"We didn't see a thing," the man said.

Lozinski said that Francis had told his family he was going out in his boat and was described as an "avid outdoorsman".

Lozinski said Francis was wearing heavy hiking boots when he left adding that if Francis fell into the river while wearing those boots, "they would have filled up right away," adding close to 25 kilograms of weight onto his frame.

Grid searches of the bush near Francis' camp, along with patrols of the Peel River's shores has continued through the week by Fort McPherson RCMP and about 30 community volunteers. Lozinski says the river bottom is being dragged and nets have been set up in the hopes of recovering Francis' remains.

Francis' disappearance has cast a pall on the community. Grand opening ceremonies scheduled for Saturday at a new hotel and restaurant in the Hamlet were cancelled. A wedding and feast scheduled the same day went ahead as planned, but a celebration dance was cancelled.

Hannah Alexie, the Minister officiating the wedding of William Carson and Brenda Koe, said during the Saturday service that," today is a day of great joy but also great sorrow."