Two snowmobilers die while attempting to cross the Mingan River in northern Quebec

A snowmobile makes its way across frozen ice near Inukjuak, Que. Thursday, May 12, 2022. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press)

Two snowmobilers died on Saturday evening while attempting to cross the Mingan River in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec.

The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) was notified at around 9:30 p.m. that the two occupants of the snowmobile had unfortunately “sunk beneath the ice”, spokesperson Marc Messier said on Sunday.

Searches were conducted throughout the evening and into the night, but the two men have not yet been located, Messier added.

The snowmobile has, however, been found.

SQ divers and drones are expected to arrive at the scene late on Sunday afternoon. The search will officially begin on Monday morning.

In the meantime, investigators are on site to meet witnesses.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on April 20, 2025.