On August 7, 2010, at about 4:10am, the North Slope Borough Police Department was notified of an ongoing search and rescue effort to locate two missing males, overdue from a boating trip along the Meade river. An effort had already been launched by the North Slope Borough Search and Rescue Department and Atqasuk Volunteer Search and Rescue to locate a 22 year old and a 13 year old. 

At about 8:11am, the 22-year old was found deceased in the Meade River. An effort continued to locate the 13-year old. At about 10:02am, the 13-year old  was found deceased in the Meade River approximately 100 yards from the boat ramp. The suspected cause of death for both parties was drowning. Neigher party was wearing a life vest.

A preliminary investigation determined the boat was taken into the water for testing and during that testing the propeller was fouled with a cable, ripping a control mechanism from the boat. During these events, it is suspected both parties unexpectedly ended up in the water of the Meade River. No foul play is suspected, and the bodies are being sent to the State of Alaska Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy. A full investigation into the circumstances resulting in the death of the two North Slope residents is ongoing.
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