Dutch skiers presumed drowned in High Arctic, say Nunavut RCMP

Nunavut RCMP say the search is over for two Dutch skiers who fell through ice near Bathurst Island, about 200 kilometres north of Resolute, Nunavut.Both are presumed drowned.

According to theCold Facts organization'swebsite,Marc Cornelissen andPhilip de Roo wereon a two-month scientific study of the area's ice for theorganization. The site says part of their research involvedinterviewing local hunters about ice conditions.

The two men left Resoluteon skisApril 6 for the Last Ice Survey.

In a news release, the Dutch support team says that on Wednesday morning, the base camp received an automated message for an urgent pickup. Apickup operation was started immediately with a local aircraft, but the pilot could not land because of thin ice.

A dog travelling withCornelissen and de Roo was spotted, along with a sled on the ice and another in the water.

A search and rescue operation, co-ordinatedby theNunavut Emergency Measures Organization, also failed to locate the two expedition members, police say.

"They were able to confirm that there was expedition equipment including personal items floating in the water at the location of the distress signal."

In avoice recording he posted online Tuesday,Cornelissen said: "Today was a good day." He described the weather as surprisingly warm, "too warm actually," noting that he ended up skiing in just his underwear and boots.

"We think we see thin ice in front of us, which is quite interesting," Cornelissen said. "And we're going toresearch some more of that if we can."

The release said the twoare experienced polar explorers and researchers.