NUNAVUT - The pilot of a helicopter that disappeared near Clyde River on Monday is believed to be dead and the search for him has been called off, according to a spokesperson for the Canadian Forces.

Wreckage from a helicopter missing since Monday was hauled into Clyde River on Thursday morning. The fuselage, identified to be from the missing Bell 206 Longranger helicopter belonging to Universal Helicopters in Newfoundland, was found by a Canadian Coast Guard cutter around Sam Ford Fiord at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday. - photo courtesy of Peter Iqalukjuak

"The search has been suspended and as of today has been handed over to the RCMP," said David Elias, a public affairs officer with CFB Trenton.

"Search crews were unable to locate the pilot and believe there was no chance that the pilot survived," he said, adding that the man's next of kin have been notified.

Some debris was found on Tuesday night, which helped focus the search, according to Elias. Fuselage identified to be from the missing Bell 206 Longranger helicopter was found around Sam Ford Fiord at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday. An uninflated life raft was found as well.

The helicopter, owned by Universal Helicopters in Newfoundland, had been operating out of Clyde River and did not arrive at its estimated time in Pond Inlet on Monday. The only person on board was the pilot. At 9 p.m. Monday a search team was assembled by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ont. to look for the chopper, according to Elias.

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.