NUNAVUT - Weather conditions are hampering the search for a helicopter missing between Clyde River and Pond Inlet as fog is grounding search and rescue aircraft, limiting the search to the water.

The helicopter's last known location was at the mouth of Sam Ford Fiord. A Canadian Coast Guard cutter is searching in a 30 mile radius of that point. The single-engine helicopter was operating out of Clyde River and was supposed to arrive at Pond Inlet at some point on Monday. The only person on board was the pilot. At 9 p.m. that day a search team was assembled by the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Trenton, Ont., according to David Elias, a public affairs officer with CFB Trenton.

"There's been a lot of fog in the region and it's been hindering air travel," said Elias.

Maj. Holly Apostoliuk said the search is being hampered by the fog as well, and there is currently only a water search going on.

"Because of the last known point and visibility it is easier at this point to do the water search," said Apostoliuk.

She said there are five other aircraft in the area that will be actively searching as soon as the fog lifts.

Some of the aircraft that are standing by to participate in the search are being diverted from Operation

Nanook, a large military exercise currently underway in the High Arctic.

"We're happy to be there with the resources to assist in a situation like this," Apostoliuk said. "The potential to save a human life is a priority for the Canadian Forces."

The cutter is also carrying a helicopter, and there are two twin otters waiting to join the search, as well as another helicopter, a Hercules aircraft, and another plane.

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