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SANIKILUAQ
A Sanikiluaq man can thank technology for his rescue after a call for help on his Spot beacon drew searchers to him.

Johnassie Inuktaluk, an experienced hunter and angler, was found a day after he called for help using the global positioning system (GPS) tracker. His call for help went out Dec. 8 at 5 p.m., 60 km south of the hamlet.

A team of rescuers was sent out that evening, but had to turn back due to extreme weather conditions. Searchers were not able to leave the hamlet until 2:35 p.m. the next day, and found Inuktaluk safe and sound but unable to move due to a broken down snowmobile. Inuktaluk and the four rescuers returned to the hamlet at 8:45 p.m.

Police suggest such GPS units or other satellite-based communication methods should always be taken when people go out on the land, and people should be equipped with sufficient gear and supplies to withstand emergency situations and changing conditions.

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