Hope Fades as Time Goes by.

30 snowmobiles, 2 airplanes and 1 helicopter searched a wide expanse over Frobisher Bay and the surrounding tundra. There has been no sighting of the 2 missing men or thier snowmobiles. Not a trace of evidence has been seen. They have had to spend 4 nights out on the arctic wilderness without shelter or any type of survival gear. For 3 of those nights, wind, snow and whiteout conditions prevailed. The search has already resumed. I heard aircraft and helicopters at 4AM. The sun offers light in those early hours this time of year. The search will continue untill 10PM tonight. After 10PM, the sun has set and arctic twilight doesn't offer enough light for a visual contact from the air. Some of the ground crew involved in the search may continue to search after 10PM, but they themselves can be at risk of being lost. Only the most experienced hunters will continue the search during the twilight hours.
I have learned over the years that one should never give up hope for the safe return of a person lost on the land. I also know that as every day goes by, the chances of a safe return dwindle dramatically. A person can survive for 7 days on the tundra without food, shelter or water. That is if the individual has the land skills required to know how to survive. Any longer than 1 week is usually a hopeless endevour. These men, one a friend of mine, if found, will be in bad shape without a doubt. I will still pray for thier safe return, but as time goes by thier chances of returning to us fades.