SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
RCMP in the territory are reporting a dramatic increase in the number of search and rescue operations it was involved in during the last four months of 2014 compared to the same period the year before.

Jeremy Flatt, left and Ginette Markowski of Yellowknife Search and Rescue were out looking for Japanese tourist Atsumi Yoshikubo back in October 2014. RCMP reported a sharp increase in the number of search and rescue operations in the NWT last year compared to 2013. The Mounties say such operations put the safety of searchers at risk as well. - John McFadden/NNSL photo

RCMP Const. Elenore Sturko said between Sept. 1 and Dec. 18 of last year, there were 32 search and rescue operations, a steep increase from just nine over the same period in 2013.

"Search and rescue operations are undertaken to assist those who may be in danger after becoming lost or stranded," Sturko said. "What is often overlooked is the enormous risk taken by those who are tasked with helping."

She said volunteer organizations and members across the territory place themselves in potentially dangerous situations while assisting in the search and rescue operations.

"The majority of these search and rescue operations have been successful. However, we do live in a vast wilderness and travellers need to respect the extreme conditions of our landscape," Sturko said. "Being well prepared is the best way to protect you from potential harm."

Sturko pointed out that because of the large number of forest fires last summer, land marks and terrain may have burned and now look different. She said travel routes mat have changed considerably and people need to use caution when heading out on the land. Sturko said being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.

She reminded people heading out on the land to make sure their snowmobile or ATV is properly maintained, become familiar with the terrain they will be traveling on, check the weather forecast before they leave, always wear a helmet and proper clothing, ride in a group when possible, and inform someone of travel plans of where people are going and when they intend to return. Carry emergency supplies and learn survival skills and carry a satellite phone, SPOT device or other means of communication.

One of the search and rescue operations that did not have a happy ended last year was the one initiated for Atsumi Yoshikubo. The 45-year-old Japanese tourist was reported missing in late October after she missed her flight home.

Her room at the Explorer Hotel was found with her belongings still in it. She never did check out. Yoshikubo was seen walking along the Ingraham Trail away from Yellowknife, first at the outskirts of the city and then farther out on the Ingraham Trail. RCMP looked for her using dogs and aircraft equipped with heat-seeking devices.

Several volunteers were involved in the search as well. Police called off the active search for her in November, saying they had reason to believe she wanted to become a missing person. They never did reveal why they thought that. Police said that Yoshikubo was now listed as missing and presumed dead, although her missing person file remains open.