A Hercules plane from Canadian Forces Base Trenton, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and RCMP Search and Rescue are all part of the search that began when Thomas was reported missing to Winnipegosis RCMP March 30. Thomas left a remote cabin on Thompson Island in Lake Winnipegosis on a snowmobile sometime overnight March 29-30, stranding two companions at the cabin because he had the keys to a Bombardier snow machine. One of the stranded men contacted a family member by radio. The stranded men have food, shelter and supplies and were assisted in returning home March 31, RCMP say. The Hercules plane searched the north side of Lake Winnipegosis from Birch Island to Dawson Bay but no tracks were seen. Easterville and Sapotaweyak Cree Nation residents and RCMP officers began searching the area on Wednesday morning.