November 6, 1998

Three missing hunters found dead near Pangnirtung

Nunatsiaq News

IQALUIT — Searchers have recovered the lifeless bodies of three Pangnirtung residents reported missing on October 22.

An RCMP press release issued this week says the bodies were found in a small fiord about 40 km northwest of Pangnirtung, close to their overturned boat.

They failed to return to Pangnirtung after starting out on the return portion of a trip to a hunting camp in a 24-ft freighter canoe. Their return trip was expected to be only a four-hour journey.

Dead are: 33-year-old Billy Kuniluisee, his 10-year-old son, Charlie, and 25-year-old Henry Akulukjuk.

The CCS Desgrossière arrived in the vicinity last Tuesday to assist in a methodical sweep of the sea, as part of an extensive search that began Oct. 24.

Pangnirtung's Arctic Rangers and volunteers from the community participated in the search, along with two Twin Otters and a military Hercules transport plane from the Rescue Coordination Center in Halifax.

Weather and water conditions were reportedly calm on Oct. 22 when the trio set out, although winds picked up considerably on the following day.