Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Manitoba fisherman's body found

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 03/13/2011 10:53 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies) | Last Modified: 03/13/2011 12:44 PM | Updates

Blaine Starr, 18, is shown in this family photograph with his girlfriend, Leslie Whitford.

SANDY BAY FIRST NATION — The body of a missing fisherman has been found a few kilometres from the shores of Lake Manitoba.

The Dakota Ojibway Police Service confirmed Sunday the body of Blaine Starr, 18, was found about 14 kilometres east of Sandy Bay on Lake Manitoba.

Starr was last seen walking away from a stranded Bombardier about six kilometres offshore from Amaranth Beach at the Sandy Bay reserve on Friday at about 6:30 p.m.

Starr and Patrick West had been fishing all day with two other men. They began heading to shore when the storm — which walloped southern Manitoba late Friday — was just beginning.

Their Second World War vintage Bombardier got stuck in a large crack offshore at about 3 p.m.

About three hours later — even though West tried to convince the teenager not to do it — Starr left the vehicle and started walking.

Sandy Bay Chief Irvin McIvor said the community was told about the missing fishermen on Friday night, but the storm was so bad no one could get out on the lake.

McIvor said the search for Starr began Saturday morning once the storm cleared.

McIvor said the search efforts — which included dozens of snowmobiles, more than 200 volunteers, RCMP officers, a helicopter and a Hercules aircraft — occurred throughout Saturday.

West was finally found by searchers on Saturday about noon, and Starr’s body was found Sunday morning at about 9:45 a.m. It appears he was walking away from the shore, instead of towards it.

On Saturday night, West was asleep after his ordeal and too exhausted to speak to a reporter.

But his wife, Beverly, said her husband tried to convince Starr not to leave.

"Blaine said he wanted to walk. He just thought he could make it. Pat tried to stop him, but he couldn't.

"When Pat was found he was shocked that Blaine wasn't here. He's so upset."

Beverly said her husband was forced to burn almost everything on the Bombardier to keep his heater working through the night to survive.

"He burned his tubs. His radio. His jigger. His rubber gloves. His fishing box. It was so cold out there."

Andrew Maruschak, who was also fishing with the others, said the storm was so bad he also got lost for about three hours on the lake.

"I didn't know where I was. I just kept the wind on the side of my face knowing it was blowing from the north.

"Even when I got on shore I didn't know where I was. I was so cold. I couldn't see in front of my face. I couldn't see in front of my snowmobile. It was just a whiteout. It was the worst time I've ever seen out there.

"I thought I was a goner."

History

Updated on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 12:44 PM CDT: Adds Dakota Ojibway Police Service comments

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.