By Caitlin Brezinski

Sonar technology may help locate missing man

Oct 24, 2014 | 5:29 PM

The search for Tim Charlette, who has not been seen since October 11, continues in the North Saskatchewan River area in Prince Albert.

On Friday, a physical check was done on the river using sonar search equipment which was purchased last winter through donations.

Leon Charles, team leader from Grandmother’s Bay said the search equipment was successful when they were searching for their elder, Solomon Roberts.  He was pulled from Otter Lake near Grandmother’s Bay.

“This equipment is for finding things underwater that you’re not sure of,” said Charles. When they purchased the equipment he said “two guys came back and they were able to find a dragging mark of something so they started following it with the sonar image,” he said.

Charles said the technology has the ability to shoot about a 75 feet width and 75 feet upwards.

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“It shoots like a flashlight, when you’re holding onto a flashlight and it shows shadows and images in the water, on the bottom of the lake,” he said.

He said if they do get a hit with the technology, divers will go into the water to investigate the area.

“It’s pretty fancy equipment that we have and it’s very delicate too so we’re careful with it. It’s not a toy, it’s something serious so we take pride in it and we take care of them [the equipment],” he said.

Charles said they became involved with this search after hearing from the Prince Albert Grand Council on Tuesday. He said they started using the equipment at the North Saskatchewan River on Wednesday and searched all day on Thursday.

He said the police, fire department and local emergency services are all supporting the search.

“I feel proud of that to be able to build partnerships with local authorities,” he said. “We have all the same goal.” 

Charles said four people from Grandmother’s bay and five from Stanley mission are helping with the search. He said they are trying to keep their morale high.

“You get disappointed at the end of the day when you’re not able to provide anything,” he said.

Robert Charlette, Tim’s father, said he is thankful for the searchers and the support from his family.

“It’s very hard for me,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll find him maybe today or tomorrow,” he said.

Tim’s mother, Elizabeth Charlette said many family members have come together for the search.

“We’ve been searching every day, I hope we can find him soon,” she said.

news@panow.com

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