More than 100 trained searchers, volunteers, and emergency responders are scouring a dense wooded area in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, in the urgent search for two young siblings: 6-year-old Lily Sullivan and her 4-year-old brother, Jack. The children were last seen around 10:30 a.m. Friday morning near a residence on Gairloch Road in Lansdowne Station, a rural area about 20 kilometres southwest of New Glasgow.IMAGE VIA: Missing People of Canada FBAccording to the RCMP, it is believed the children wandered away from the home on their own. They have not been seen since, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation that has stretched into its second day.The ongoing search is being led by the RCMP and coordinated with multiple agencies, including ground search and rescue units from across the province. The effort has drawn in over 100 searchers, two helicopters, tracking dogs, and drones from the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association. Despite the challenging terrain, teams are methodically covering the wooded area in a grid-style search, hoping to find any clues to the children’s location.RCMP Cpl. Sally Rice emphasized the difficulty of the terrain and the challenges it poses for both the children and the rescuers. “It’s a huge wooded area with lots of potential, so we’re keeping all avenues open,” she said. “This terrain is challenging enough for trained adults, so it would be even more so for children this young.”Amy Hansen, the on-site search and rescue manager from Colchester Ground Search and Rescue, praised the determination of her team: “They are pushing through everything we ask them to.” She added that although Friday night was wet, it was not dangerously cold. “If they’re hunkered down or moving, which children often do, survivability is still good. Everyone here remains hopeful.”Police have not found any evidence to suggest the children were abducted. Because of this, an Amber Alert was not issued. However, the RCMP has activated a vulnerable persons alert for Antigonish, Colchester, and Pictou counties, urging residents to remain vigilant.Locals have been asked to check their own properties, including sheds, barns, and under decks, for any sign of the children. However, the RCMP is urging the general public not to enter the active search area to avoid interfering with the operation. “We understand people want to help,” said Rice, “but it’s important that trained teams are allowed to work without distraction.”Cpl. Rice also noted that the children might be frightened or hiding. “They may be scared of strangers, or even the sound of helicopters overhead, which could cause them to stay hidden.”Premier Tim Houston shared his support online Saturday, writing, “People in Pictou County and across Nova Scotia are praying for a positive outcome. Our first responders and volunteers are working tirelessly during this 24/7 operation.”The response effort is massive and includes not only the RCMP and regional search and rescue teams but also the Department of Natural Resources helicopter crews, the Salvation Army, local emergency management organizations, the Department of Emergency Management’s field communications staff, and even the newly established Nova Scotia Guard.This marks the Nova Scotia Guard’s first operational assignment. Volunteers from the guard are working in shifts to assist with overnight security, food distribution, and logistical support, such as parking and directions for first responders.Descriptions of the ChildrenLily Sullivan is six years old and has shoulder-length light brown hair with bangs. She may be wearing a pink sweater, pink pants, and pink boots.Jack Sullivan is four years old with short blond hair. He was last seen wearing blue dinosaur-print boots.Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pictou County District RCMP at 902-485-4333.The search is ongoing, and officials say it will not stop until they receive information that shifts the focus. “Right now, it’s an active search, and it will continue until we have reason to go in a different direction,” said Cpl. Rice.Related Articles:Missing Arizona Toddler Found Safe 7 Miles from Home With Dog After 16-Hour SearchNew Jersey Mom Faces Criminal Charges After Allegedly Driving Drunk With Three Kids in the CarNewborn Found on London Porch: Mother Located
