UPDATED: Search for River Clement ‘overwhelming, exhausting’ for his family

The family of missing Tulita teen River Clement wants authorities to do more to help with the extensive search involving dozens of watercraft and hundreds of people in the Sahtu Region.

Clement’s aunt, Lynda MacCauley, appointed by the Tulita Band as the central search coordinator, says RCMP could be doing more and a request for 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, based at 8 Wing Trenton, has so far been denied.

“The RCMP have NOT been as supportive as their resources could be. Which now leaves the family and the community feeling they are left on their own,” stated MacCauley in her social media post.

“We are doing everything we can right now to keep the search going for our River, but it is overwhelming and exhausting for the family and community.

“I am reaching out to ask if anyone has experience with situations like this and finding ways to keep resources going when official support is pulled back.

“Every bit of guidance, every resource, and every share makes a difference. We cannot stop, River is out there, and we need all the help and support we can get.”

MacCauley stated RCMP have donated gas to fund a majority of boats to continue searching.

North-Wright Airways, a private airline company out of Norman Wells, donated a pilot, plane and flying time to fill the void of Trenton’s denied supports.

While Canadian Rangers from Sahtu communities were initially involved in the search, they have ben pulled back, with some remaining to volunteer their time.

Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely has been called by the family and will contact the RCMP in Yellowknife to “try and push activation for the Search and Rescue team … and request information on who called off the Canadian Rangers and why,” MacCauley stated.

The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary is assisting with searches in surrounding areas.

Fort Norman Métis Corporation funded a helicopter and Archie Erigaktuk and Clement’s grandfather Charlie MacCauley are doing an aerial search.

Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) has been contacted to get a flight going with North-Wright Airways.

The Tulita Youth Drummers were to offer prayers and feeding of the water and fire this afternoon.

Sixteen-year-old River Clement was last seen on Cranberry Crescent, in Tulita, at approximately 5am that day, stated an RCMP release.

His family shared that he last responded via text message to his Grandmother Mary Rose Lennie at 5:21am when she texted him.

A lone boat was parked at the dock located at the point of Tulita during the night. At 6am, the boat was seen drifting in the middle of the Mackenzie River.

By 7am, the boat had been retrieved, with items inside the boat — a pair of pants, runners, a cell phone and an old boat key — later identified as belonging to Clement.

A pair of socks were located on the dock, possibly believed to also be River’s.

Stated MacCauley: “We can’t confirm if River was in the boat or not, or if he was on the dock or not when the boat was untied. However, the boat did have five life jackets on board when it was docked the evening before.

“When the boat was retrieved only four were accounted for. It is possible that if River was in the boat that he may have used one to try get back to shore as the boat was unable to start.”

Lynda MacCauley’s number is 867-688-4816.

Tulita RCMP is also asking anyone with information on the whereabouts of River Clement to please contact the local detachment at 867-588-1111.

UPDATE: Late Monday afternoon, RCMP stated in a release that officers are patrolling the Mackenzie River with community members and liaising with family members to provide support.

However, the chances of finding the teen alive “are diminishing,” with the search efforts now focused on recovering his body.

“The Tulita RCMP extends its heartfelt sympathy to the community and will continue to assist in bringing River Clement to his family,” stated the release.