Cooks Cove, Nova Scotia — A large-scale search operation is underway for a child who fell into the water in Cooks Cove, with efforts extending into a second day after the incident occurred Thursday afternoon.
According to the Nova Scotia RCMP, emergency services were called to the scene around 1:40 p.m. on Thursday, after it was reported that a child had fallen into the water while fishing with a man and another child. The man immediately jumped into the water in an attempt to save the child but was unsuccessful, police confirmed in a statement on Friday.
Despite nightfall, search efforts continued overnight where possible and resumed at full capacity Friday morning.
The extensive operation involves multiple agencies, including:
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Ground Search and Rescue teams
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Local fire departments
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Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables Air Services
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Civil Air Search and Rescue Association
Police are urging the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency teams to work without obstruction.
“RCMP Victim Services is engaged, and our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones at this difficult time,” the RCMP stated in a press release.
Cooks Cove, located in Guysborough County, is about 43 kilometres west of Canso. The close-knit community has been deeply affected by the incident, with many locals expressing support for the family and gratitude toward the search teams.
Authorities have not yet released identifying details of the missing child as the search remains active.
Updates are expected as the operation progresses.