Iglulik (Dec 15/03) - The community of Iglulik wants to resume the search for two drowned men before the onset of the Christmas holidays.

On Dec. 2 Roger Ulluliyarnat, age 28, and Jose Kangok, age 24, drowned when their snowmobile plunged into the water at Hooper Inlet.

The search was postponed on Dec. 5. Mayor Elijah Evaloarjuk said it wasn't an easy decision to do that.

"We have all intentions of going back to search. All the search equipment was left in the area," he said.

The search was called off due to strong currents in the area, which was affecting the equipment.

"The camera and divers couldn't see anything and the currents were becoming dangerous for the searchers," Evaloarjuk said.

"We want to go back when the current is weaker."

The community gathered at the Catholic church Thursday for a memorial service for the two men.

Evaloarjuk said the incident had a big effect on the community. He added they had the family's permission to postpone the search.

"It's been hard for the family, but they understand the problems." he said.

So far no date has been set to resume the search. Evaloarjuk pointed out they hope to be able to go back before Christmas.