Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Chesterfield Inlet (Sep 19/05) - The community of Chesterfield Inlet is in mourning, following a fatal boating accident.

A four-man crew of elder Camille Simik, Kevin Naitok, Lucie Simik and Joseph (Nippi) Alogut were sailing back to Chesterfield Inlet on a brand-new boat they had picked up in Thompson, Man., when they ran into trouble during the evening of Sept. 9.

High winds caused large swells and choppy conditions which caused the boat to take on water about 30 miles south of Whale Cove.

When the crew made the decision to abandon the vessel, Lucie Simik and Joseph (Nippi) Alogut were able to make it to shore on Imilirarjuk Island.

The two remained on the island until they were spotted by volunteers from Whale Cove and returned safely to the community on Sept. 11.

The body of Kevin Naitok was recovered Sept. 12. Camille Simik has not been found and is now presumed dead.