(NORTH BAY, ON) – On November 20, 2016, at approximately 9:30 p.m., members of the North Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a group of four people missing in a remote area of McConnell Lake Road in Clarkson Township.
A group of friends and family had gone out hunting on McConnell Lake Road. They had split up into two vehicles and were to meet a designated area at 5:00 p.m.. When one vehicle with a group of four did not return, police were called.
Resources assisting in the search were OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Helicopter Unit and OPP Snowmobile, All-terrain Vessel Enforcement/Education Unit (SAVE).
On November 21, 2016, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a family member received a phone call from one of the missing persons. Information obtained was that the vehicle that they were in had suffered mechanical problems, and they were unable to drive it. Police received GPS coordinates and were able to locate the vehicle. Two of the four members were at the vehicle and two of the missing parties had left on foot to try and get assistance.
The OPP Helicopter Unit conducted an aerial search of the area and located the two males. They did not appear to be suffering from any injuries but were brought to hospital to be assessed as a precautionary measure.
The OPP reminds hunters to ensure you are prepared for emergencies by wearing proper clothing and carrying appropriate gear and food. Always tell someone the routes you intend to take and when you plan to return. If you don’t return when expected, this information saves police precious time in deciding where to commence and focus search efforts.