Search continues for missing Nunavut MLA Pauloosie Keyootak and 2 others missing on Baffin Island

Nunavut's emergency services co-ordinator is optimistic Uqqummiut MLA Pauloosie Keyootak and two other missing travellers will be found safe.

Keyootak, his young son, and another adult were supposed to arrive in Pangnirtung last Wednesday, but didn't arrive. That triggered a search which now includes parties from both Pangnirtung and the territory's capital of Iqaluit, as well as Canadian Forces aircraft.

• Nunavut MLA Pauloosie Keyootak among 3 missing on Baffin Island
• Nunavut officials press for Arctic search and rescue base

"Right now we have search teams from both Pangnirtung and Iqaluit out," said ​Ed Zebedee, the territorial government's emergency services co-ordinator.

"We have a Hercules aircraft that's just waiting to go back out, and we're waiting for a Cormorant —a helicopter — that's on its way up."

Zebedee added that a Twin Otter has also been chartered with local spotters to assist with the search.

Searchers hopeful: 'they know what they're doing'

Keyootak and his party left Iqaluit on two snowmobiles last Tuesday, planning to travel first to Pangnirtung before continuing on to the hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq. The territorial government was made aware that the group was missing Saturday night, according to Zebedee, and sent out a search party Sunday morning. 

Zebedee said that he's optimistic about the group's status, despite the fact that they've been missing for nearly a week.

"They're hunters," he said. "They know what they're doing. We've had individuals out much much longer than that."

The area is currently experiencing mild weather and clear skies — optimal for search parties. The conditions are expected to stay mild for the next few days.

According to Zebedee, Keyootak's group was not carrying communication equipment or a Spot device with them on their trip. 

Volunteers 'have really stepped up'

With the end of Easter weekend on Tuesday, Zebedee said search efforts have intensified as vacationing residents make their way back to their home communities and volunteer to help.

"They really rallied today," said Zebedee. "The volunteers have really stepped up. They're putting in a lot of hours."

Zebedee said that there is no time frame yet for how long the search will continue, and that they will continue to look for Keyootak's group until "the elders and others decide we've reached the end of it."

It's been a busy weekend for search-and-rescue services in Nunavut. According to Zebedee, five searches began over the Easter weekend, bringing the total to 58 so far this year.

Keyootak, originally from Qikiqtarjuaq, was elected to the Nunavut legislature in February 2015.