Volunteer rescuers in Kimmirut, Nunavut, are hoping to follow the light to their missing mayor.
Jamesie Kootoo, 67, left for a caribou hunt on Saturday and was expected back later in the day. He's not been seen or heard from since.
Blizzard conditions have hampered the search almost every day since he disappeared. But on Wednesday, rescuers in an aerial search spotted a flash of light on the ground below. Hunters also reported seeing the flash off in the distance.
"That's why they're still keeping hope up," said Cpl. Dennis Lambe.
Lambe said the dismal weather made the area difficult to reach on Thursday, but the storm has since cleared up and a team of 30 to 40 volunteers were back in the woods on Friday to search near where the light was spotted.
Earlier in the week, RCMP Cpl. Larry Olson told QMI Agency the whole community is concerned about the mayor, who is due to retire after the next election.
"Everyone's concerned, of course, and very supportive. The majority of people who can help are out there helping," said Olson.
Kimmirut, located on the Hudson Strait, has a population of just over 400.
This is the second time Kootoo has gone missing. According to Nunatsiaq Online, he disappeared on a hunting trip five years ago when his snowmobile fell into a gully.
"In that case searchers were able to locate Kootoo after a day and a half, but he was in a concentrated area. This time the area he is lost in is flat and in the open," Sgt. Jimmy Akavak told the paper.
"This time of year with the limited light, the Ski-Doo can look like a rock from a distance. It is almost like trying to find a needle in a haystack."
