The search for a missing Pelly Crossing man has been scaled back after a week of unsuccessful efforts, RCMP announced in a statement today.
Twenty-one-year-old Richard Hager jumped off the Pelly Crossing Bridge for a swim on the evening of July 19 and was unable to make it to shore.
An exhaustive search began that day and included volunteers from Dawson City, Mayo and Carmacks.
“Searchers have worked tirelessly for numerous hours to help bring closure to the family of Richard Hager,” police said in a news release.
“Over the last few days the search has included numerous boats on the water, ground searching along the river banks and a helicopter flying over the river. While the search will now be scaled back, Pelly Crossing RCMP remains hopeful of recovering Mr. Hager and will be continuing efforts to do so.”
Thunderstorms and poor visibility last week initially hampered the search but it resumed on July 20 once the weather had improved.
Further river and air searches will be carried out with consideration given to elders and community experience, police said.
Hager is described as a First Nation man, 163 centimetres tall weighing approximately 60 kilograms and of slight build.
(Myles Dolphin)