Man Dies After Snowmobile Sinks During Water Crossing Attempt in Northwest Territories

TUKTOYAKTUK, Northwest Territories — A 32-year-old man has died after a snowmobile sank while attempting to cross a section of open water near Tuktoyaktuk, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The fatal incident occurred Wednesday in the Arctic community of Tuktoyaktuk, located along the shores of the Arctic Ocean.

Police said two people were riding a snowmobile and attempting to skim across the water when the machine lost buoyancy and sank beneath the surface.

Witnesses at the scene reported that one of the riders managed to swim safely back to shore. However, the second rider failed to resurface, prompting an emergency response.

Search efforts were launched immediately, and approximately one hour after emergency crews arrived, responders recovered the body of the missing 32-year-old man. Authorities said he was found about six metres from the submerged snowmobile.

The RCMP confirmed that the Northwest Territories Coroner’s Service is investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

Police have not released the victim’s identity, and no additional details about the incident have been made public as the investigation continues.

Officials have not indicated whether weather conditions or other factors contributed to the fatal accident.
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