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The search for four-year-old Jack Sullivan and his six-year-old sister Lilly Sullivan, who went missing from their home in Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, has entered a critical phase. As of Sunday afternoon, search teams have not uncovered any new evidence despite a renewed effort that began over the weekend.
This marks the second day of targeted searching in the dense woods surrounding their rural home.
Focused search in challenging terrain
Amy Hansen, the ground search-and-rescue manager for Colchester County, emphasized the importance of the current search operation, which is concentrated around the Gairloch Road area.
This location is significant as it is near where the children were last seen. Additionally, searchers are combing through a nearby “pipeline trail,” where a small boot print was previously discovered. Hansen stated, “We’re continuing to search up that pipeline, we’re trying to cover more areas and hope that we find something.”
Adverse weather conditions hinder progress
The search has been complicated by adverse weather conditions. On Saturday, approximately 75 searchers, supported by three drones and seven drone operators, resumed their efforts in rainy weather. However, heavy winds and an incoming geomagnetic storm grounded the drones on Sunday, limiting aerial support.
Hansen noted, “It’s very, very hard and it’s very slow going,” referring to the rough terrain that has been made even more challenging due to downed trees and thick brush left in the wake of post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022.
Community support and ongoing investigations
The search-and-rescue teams, many of whom are volunteers, have faced significant physical and emotional challenges. Hansen highlighted the stress and exhaustion experienced by the searchers as they navigate through dense woods for hours on end.
“The effort that’s going in is unreal,” she remarked. Meanwhile, the RCMP’s major crimes unit has been involved in the case since May 3, a standard procedure for missing persons investigations. The police have received over 180 tips from the public and have conducted interviews with community members and family.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for a breakthrough. Hansen indicated that discussions with the RCMP will take place after the current search efforts conclude to determine if further searches are necessary. “I’m sure they’ll be calling us back in at some point,” she said, reflecting the ongoing commitment to finding Jack and Lilly Sullivan.
