Christine Kay
Northern News Services

Arctic Bay (Nov 25/02) - Residents of Arctic Bay are being warned to use caution when heading out on overnight trips.

"The ice is breaking up whenever we get southwesterly winds. It's happening on our main route to fishing and camping areas," said Joeli Qamanirq, a committee member for search and rescue in the community.

The warning came after at least five members of the community got stranded on the ice this season. They all managed to make it back to the hamlet, but some sustained injuries and endured several days out in the cold.

Joseph Oqallak, 54, was one of them. He was fishing 80 kilometres outside the community when he stepped on a piece of ice and slipped. Wood he was carrying hit him and bruised his ribs and hip.

He was in pain, but he managed to walk to his friend's tent where he waited for rescuers for four days. They had difficulty reaching Oqallak because the ice kept breaking along their way.

Sam Irqqarqsaq, one of the men who helped with the rescue, said it took about six hours to get Oqallak back to the community.

"I'm feeling better now. I got X-rays and I've been taken care of really good by the nurses," said Oqallak.

He doesn't plan on doing much hunting this winter because of his injuries. He said he's glad he has a family to support him.

He admits he wasn't prepared for what happened. He only planned to be away for a day and left the community with no tent, sleeping bag or stove.

He said he has learned his lesson.

"If you go out hunting, even for a day, go out with someone. Always bring a tent and everything you might need," said Oqallak.

Search and rescue volunteers are making radio announcements informing the public of dangers. Qamanirq said the most important thing is that people be prepared.

"During the day it's okay, but when it's dark it gets hard to tell whether the ice is safe or not," he explained.