Seven people safe after search between Behchokǫ̀ and Whatì

Police in the NWT say a party of seven people has arrived “safe and sound” after an aerial search was launched when they didn’t show up on time.

The group was travelling from Behchokǫ̀ to Whatì by boat, RCMP said in a statement to Cabin Radio on Wednesday.

They were reported overdue on Tuesday morning around 9am. The group was scheduled to arrive on Monday evening.

“Whatì RCMP, with the assistance of Behchokǫ̀ RCMP, deployed via helicopter to the Marian Lake area and began a search,” said police in a statement. “At approximately 12:30pm on Tuesday, August 27, they located the boat and all seven travellers, five men and two women.”

“All members of the party arrived safe and sound in Whatì Tuesday evening.”

It transpired the group was overdue as its members had decided to stay overnight at a cabin in the area of Marian Lake, police said, with darkness coming.

The members of the group were not identified, nor was it immediately clear if they had required help or had reached Whatì unaided.

Sarah Pruys contributed reporting.