Nain search underway for 2 overdue boaters after vessel fails to arrive

Police and search teams are looking for an overdue blue and white boat believed to be carrying two men from Nain to Natuashish. The 18-foot fibreglass vessel left Nain on the morning of Nov. 6 and did not arrive as expected later that day, according to the RCMP.

Police responded to a report of an overdue boater with two occupants aboard shortly before 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 6. The boat had departed at about 10:30 a.m. and was expected in Natuashish hours later.

Police believe the occupants were Julius Lampe, 62, and Ephriam Merkuratsuk, 51. Photos of both men and the boat were attached to the police release.

Descriptions and search

Lampe is described as five feet eight inches tall (173 centimetres), weighing about 170 pounds (77 kilograms), with a medium build, black hair and brown eyes. Police believe he was wearing a blue hooded coat and black snow pants.

Merkuratsuk is described as four feet 11 inches tall (150 centimetres), weighing 130 pounds (59 kilograms), with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown camouflage winter coat, green rubber footwear, hydrogloves and a grey winter cap.

Nain and Natuashish RCMP officers and search and rescue volunteers are searching for the vessel. Nain RCMP has also engaged the Nain and Natuashish Ground Search and Rescue team and the Canadian Coast Guard. The search is continuing on the ground and by air, police said.

Anyone with information about the current location of either man or the vessel is asked to call Nain RCMP at 709-922-2862 or 1-800-709-7267.