Thompson RCMP are reporting that two boaters from the area were recently rescued after being stranded at an unnamed lake south of Thompson, Manitoba.
On July 10, 2021, at approximately 10:30pm, Thompson RCMP received a report stating that two boaters were stranded near an unnamed lake, approximately 53 kilometres south of Thompson, and three kilometres west of Highway 6. It was reported that the boaters had lost their boat that they had used for transportation to their camp.
Officers tried to access the boaters by using a snowmobile trail near the approximate location provided. However, due to swampy terrain and a dead end of water, they were unable to traverse the area. RCMP then contacted conservation officers and Park Patrol for Paint Lake Provincial Park, who were able to provide an alternate route.
RCMP officers, along with conservation officers and Park Patrol, then trekked over a beaver dam and hiked for approximately three kilometres through bush to the unnamed lake. At this point, the rescue team located two canoes, a boat and paddles that belonged to local civilians. Rescue team members then saw a light across the lake and responded by paddling approximately one kilometre towards the light.
RCMP report that the the boaters were located in good health and that no medical attention was required. The two male boaters from Thompson, ages 51 and 55, were escorted back across the lake and all were able to trek back to Highway 6.
“You can’t get much more Canadian than this rescue, with beaver dams, canoes, and Mounties,” said Inspector Chris Hastie, Thompson RCMP Detachment Commander. “In all seriousness, though, this rescue highlights the unique demands placed on officers who work in Manitoba’s north. I am very glad we were able to get there and assist the stranded boaters and that everyone got home safely. I would also like to thank our policing partners – Manitoba Conservation and Park Patrol – for providing operational support and local knowledge in traversing this rough wilderness. Help is there when we need it so that we can help others.”
