Four missing hunters presumed dead

FORT CHIPEWYAN, Alta. — RCMP and Parks Canada are treating the search for four missing hunters in northeastern Alberta as a recovery operation after failing to find the men.

RCMP said Wednesday that searchers were using boats equipped with sonar to search beneath the surface of the Rocher River north of Fort Chipewyan.

The hunters left the community on Sunday night in a boat later found in the river that flows through Wood Buffalo National Park.

More than 70 people have been searching the remote, heavily wooded area aided by a dog team and helicopters.

Police said the families of the missing men have been notified.

The searchers have included volunteers from the Mikisew Cree and the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations.