Two people rescued from Prosperous Lake after boat capsizes

Two people were rescued after a night on Prosperous Lake after their boat capsized and partially sank.

In a news release issued late on Monday, Yellowknife RCMP said they had been called to the lake just after 8am on Monday morning. The boaters had been due to return on Sunday evening and had no means of communication on board.

“RCMP officers with assistance from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans were able to locate the vessel partially submerged in the lake,” read the news release. “The boaters were found safe and unhurt after spending the night on shore.

“This incident serves as a reminder for the public to be prepared for an emergency on the water. Have a plan, practice water safety and encourage others to do the same.”

RCMP asked people boating this summer to learn how their boat works, check it’s in good working condition, and carry extra fuel, spare batteries, and emergency supplies.

Everyone on board should be wearing a form of lifejacket and the vessel should have a bailer, paddles, a whistle or horn, and a throw rope.

Wherever you travel, familiarize yourself with the area ahead of time and how to navigate. Check the marine forecast before you go and carry a means of communication with you.

It’s not clear what exactly happened to the boaters rescued by RCMP on Monday, or whether conditions were an issue – winds gusted to 40 kph on Sunday and into Monday.

The identity of those involved has not been released, nor whether they were tourists or residents.