RCMP scale down search
for missing helicopter pilot
Search-and-rescue teams in Carmacks have downsized their search for a missing helicopter pilot in the Yukon River.
The decision to scale down the search was made to give volunteers a rest after four days of intense searching.
However, police will continue to make patrols of the river, said Cpl. Wayne Gork of the Carmacks RCMP.
“We have plans to put the RCMP plane up in the air tomorrow and again on Friday, and we’re also looking at doing another water-based search on Saturday,” said Gork on Tuesday.
“One evening this week, we’re planning on going out with the search-and-rescue boat as well.”
The search began early Saturday when a helicopter crashed into the Yukon River shortly after takeoff.
The craft’s pilot, 67-year-old Richard James Wood, was the only occupant at the time.
Wood was also the manager of Trans North Helicopters’ base in Carmacks.
He is presumed dead.
Initially, the search, which began just seconds after the crash, was very intense, said Gork.
Teams from Whitehorse, Faro and Carmacks participated in the search along with RCMP officers.
It has been decided to give some of these volunteers a little rest until the weekend, said Gork.
“You have people who are tired and need to recuperate.”
But the search is still ongoing, he said.
“Instead of 20 people, you may only have three or four people involved.”
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. (Chris Oke)
Whitehorse man arrested
for break and enter
Whitehorse RCMP arrested a man early Monday morning for breaking into a downtown home.
Police received a report at 2:39 a.m. about a suspicious man at a Whitehorse residence.
When police arrived, the man fled on foot but was arrested shortly afterwards without incident.
An investigation revealed that the man had been hanging around another residence in the area as well.
Marcel Abou (Smaaslet) is charged with break and enter and trespassing at night.
The 22-year-old’s next court appearance will be on Thursday. (Chris Oke)