Some snowmobilers are safe and sound after weekend incidents on the Long Range Mountains.
On Saturday evening, Port Saunders RCMP received a call from The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre to report a personal location beacon was activated by a party of five snowmobilers on the Long Range Mountains near Harbour Deep on the Great Northern Peninsula. Five snowmobilers encountered problems while enroute to Harbour Deep and were caught in high winds and extreme blizzard condition, according to an RCMP news release.
A search and rescue helicopter was dispatched from 103 Squadron in Gander, and the Long Range Mountain Search and Rescue from Roddickton assisted with the search. A Cormorant helicopter located the snowmobilers in the area about six hours later. They were in good health, the RCMP said.
During the recovery effort, a second search was initiated after the RCMP learned two other snowmobilers were stranded in the area in extreme weather conditions. Long Range Mountain Search and Rescue again mobilized to help search. Several local individuals also assisted.
After spending the night in the woods, the other two snowmobilers were located safe in the early morning hours, the RCMP said.
Port Saunders RCMP said people should always make a plan when travelling on the land — let family or friends know their route and expected time of return. As well, it is important to dress for the weather and to carry supplies in case of becoming stranded and carry a satellite phone, marine radio, emergency communications device or other means of communication.
