‘Quite Heavy’: Manitoba community looking for help finding men lost on Lake Winnipeg

Community leaders say time is of the essence in the search for two fishermen still missing on Lake Winnipeg earlier this week, saying if they don’t recover the two men — or their remains — soon, they may be lost to the lake forever.

Now, the tight-knit community of the Misipawistik Cree Nation is putting out a call for help. 

Chief Heidi Cook says the community needs donations for families, equipment, and volunteers to get more eyes on the water, as the search area on Lake Winnipeg is large, and weather conditions have presented a challenge. 

“The fear is that we could lose them to the lake and they could never be recovered,” said Chief Cook. “It’s a really difficult time right now, the feeling is quite heavy.

“It’s long days of searching.” 

The two men 28 and 29, alongside a 31-year-old, were reported missing on June 28 while fishing, and Cook says the party stopped to hunt a moose on the return trip.

However, the men never returned and a search commenced, the body of the 31-year-old was discovered a day later on June 29, but the other men are still missing.

“Until we find them, the families won’t have that closure.” 

Cook says the community is proud of its commercial fishing industry and everyone understands the associated risks, as they are at the Mercy of the Lake, so when someone is lost, everyone feels the effect, saying she’s thankful for the support. 

“Even as prepared as you can be, sometimes the worst can happen.” 

RCMP have been assisting in the search, and have also requested the help of the Canadian Armed Forces. 

“This is a tragedy and we want to do everything we can do to find answers for those family members and the community members.” 

Courchaine says those taking to the water across the province are advised to always let people know of their planned route and return date and to be prepared in case you do get stranded, carrying a cell or satellite phone, stressing to also ensure things like personalized floatation devices are being worn saying they too can save a life.  

So far in 2024, there has only been one other recorded accidental drowning.