Search for missing fishermen now a recovery mission, say N.W.T. RCMP

RCMP are scaling back their search for four missing fishermenout of Hay River, N.W.T., and now consider the effort to be a recovery mission.

Stacy Linington, 59, from Hay River, N.W.T., as well as Daniel Courtoreille, 51, Michael Courtoreille, 50, and Jason Fulton, 40, all from the Lesser Slave Lake area of central Alberta, never returned to Hay River after heading out onto Great Slave Lake to check their nets Sunday.

They were expected back that evening.

The four men were reported missing early Monday morning. This week, vessels from the Canadian Coast Guard and its auxiliary searched the water, andYellowknife's 440 Squadron, Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centreand Civilian Air Search and Rescue conducted an aerial search.

They were well-known and respected fishermen.- RCMP

Their boat was located in the Windy Bay area on Tuesday, partially submerged, and fishing debris was found floating in open water in the area.

"However, there have been no sightings of the missing fishermen after four days of searching," states an RCMP news release on Friday afternoon.

"Under the circumstances and with the low probability of survival, RCMP are now scaling back the search effort and proceeding with a recovery mission."

• 'Probability of survival is low,' say RCMP of search for missing fishermen on Great Slave Lake

Concert, silent auction to support families

Nathan Cunningham is a member of Alberta band, The Tradesmen. He's known Jason Fulton since they were children. He said when he heard about the accident, he and his bandmates wanted to help.

Since Thursday night the band hashelped collect $12,000 worth of items for a silent auction to raise money for the families, Cunningham said, and the band will be performing tonight "to provide a sense of continuity for the families."

"Everyone is deeply concerned," Cunningham said about the community. "In all honesty, [they're]a tad sceptical about the results right now, but the families... they're clinging on to every bit of hope that they can cling to."

The silent auction and performance are taking place at the community's Royal Canadian Legion hall Friday night.The silent auction runs from 5 to 9 p.m.

Donations for the families are also being accepted at the Legion and the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. The centreopened its doorsto support family members and friends of the missing, as well as those involved in the search.

'A difficult week'

RCMP say anybody who might decide to continue their search for the men on their own should use extreme caution, because weather conditions can be unpredictable.

"It's been a difficult week for friends and family of the missing four men," stated RCMP Sgt. Brandon Humbke in the release.

"They were well-known and respected fishermen. We are working hard to try to collect any information and evidence that could bring answers to their loved ones as to what happened."