News release

Portage la Prairie RCMP launch successful search and rescue mission after fishers fail to return home

January 13, 2026 - Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP

Content

On Jan. 9, at about 7:50 p.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP launched a search and rescue mission after three individuals who went fishing on Lake Manitoba near Saint Ambroise had texted a family member requesting help getting home.

Officers were told the fishers – ranging in age from nine to 60 – had travelled several kilometres out onto the lake on an enclosed Bombardier. Portage la Prairie RCMP headed to the area and began searching on snowmobiles for the next three hours. A family member also assisted RCMP in the search.

During this time, a second text was received by a family member asking for help.

This initial search – which also included the use of drones – was unsuccessful, prompting a call to the Royal Canadian Air Force for assistance. A Hercules operated by the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron was subsequently deployed.

At 4:25 a.m., the missing individuals were spotted about five kilometres off the shoreline on Lake Manitoba.

Portage la Prairie officers and a family member drove their snowmobiles to the location and found the three individuals, who didn’t have firewood and were running low on fuel.

The three individuals were OK and did not need medical attention. They were returned safely by RCMP to shore.