Desperate Search Continues for Missing Siblings in Canada’s Nova Scotia
A massive search and rescue operation is underway in rural Nova Scotia, Canada, for two missing children, six-year-old Lily Sullivan and her four-year-old brother Jack. The siblings were last seen on Friday morning at their home in Pictou County, approximately 70 miles from the province’s capital city of Halifax.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the pair is believed to have wandered away from their home. Since then, over 100 searchers, including helicopters, drones, and dogs, have been scouring the densely wooded area near their home for any clues about the siblings’ whereabouts. The search effort has been extensive, with rescuers combing the area meticulously to ensure that no potential leads are missed.
The RCMP reported that a footprint was spotted on Saturday, and the search effort has been expanded in that area. The search continued overnight on Monday, despite challenging rainy conditions. Corporal Carlie McCann, a spokesperson for the RCMP, told reporters on Monday, "It has been a few days, but that has not dampened the hopes of the (search) teams and the police who are here trying to get these kids home," as reported by CNN affiliate CBC News.
The children’s mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, told CNN affiliate CTV News that she woke up on Friday morning and heard the kids playing in the next room before drifting back to sleep. When she woke up and noticed they were gone, she immediately called 911. Brooks-Murray said that Jack and Lily are not the type of kids to go outside alone, and that they must have slipped out of the house unnoticed. "We always make sure that we’re out there with them, watching them, and they happen to just get out that sliding door, and we can’t hear it when it opens, and they were outside playing, but we weren’t aware of it at the time, and the next thing we knew it was quiet," she told CTV.
The children are members of the Sipekne’katik First Nation, and Chief Michelle Glasgow has made an emotional appeal for their safe return. "Please help bring Lily and Jack back home," she said on social media. The children’s stepfather, Daniel Martell, described Lily and Jack as "awesome kids." Martell said that Jack loves bugs and dinosaurs, while Lily enjoys "girly things" but also loves doing everything with her brother. "They’re like best friends, not just brother and sister," he added.
The RCMP has confirmed that they are not currently treating the case as a possible kidnapping. However, Martell has requested that police monitor the borders and airports to search for the children. The RCMP has asked the public to avoid the search area and has posted an update on social media, stating that search and rescue volunteers and officers have "meticulously searched" the area around Jack and Lily’s home. The search effort is being led by the RCMP, with support from local authorities and volunteers.
As the search enters its fourth day, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has expressed his concern for the children’s safety. "People across Nova Scotia are praying for a positive outcome" for Jack and Lily, he said in a post to social media on Saturday. The community is rallying around the family, with many residents offering support and assistance in the search effort.
The investigation is ongoing, and the RCMP is working closely with local authorities to ensure that all possible leads are pursued. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings to the authorities immediately.
The search for Lily and Jack Sullivan continues, with the RCMP and local authorities working tirelessly to bring the children home safely. This is a developing story, and CNN will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Source: CNN
