A snowmobiler has gone missing in the Whiteshell Provincial Park and Manitoba has many hands on deck in the search.
On February 21, at approximately 11:25 p.m., Lac du Bonnet RCMP received a report of an overdue snowmobiler.
Dan Lemay, 50, from Grunthal, Man. left Pinewood Lodge on a snowmobile trip around 4:00 pm to retrieve a broken snowmobile that was left at Rennie, Man.
He had called a family member at approximately 7:15 p.m. to advise that he was unsure of his location, but believed he was close to Nutimik Lake. He again contacted the family member at 9:15 p.m. saying he thought he was near Pinewood Lodge, and that is the last contact Lemay had with his family member.
By 8:00 a.m. on Feb. 22, local riders who know all the snowmobile trails in the area had been out looking for Lemay, but were unable to locate him. RCMP were on scene and CASARA had a plane in the air looking for Lemay.
Steinbachonline.com reported that Snoman Inc. Executive Director Yvonne Rideout, said the organization is serving as the headquarters as the search continues.
The RCMP then brought in a ground search team as did the Office of the Fire Commissioner, who continue to search on foot and with snowmobiles.
On Feb. 23, a helicopter with thermal technology is now flying in the area looking for any heat signatures that may be Lemay while the ground search teams continue their efforts.
Lemay was dressed for the conditions and he knows the area. However, police are concerned as he has been out of contact for quite some time and does not have supplies, such as food and water, with him.
Police and the OFC continue their search efforts and will provide an update when possible. Please note the correction to Lemay’s age as 50. It was previously released that he is 40.
