Search and rescue operations are intensifying in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, as authorities continue their efforts to locate a child who fell into the water while fishing at Cook’s Cove. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, April 17, 2025, prompting a swift response from local emergency services.
According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), first responders were alerted to the scene at 1:40 p.m. after a report indicated that a child had fallen into a river that flows into the ocean. The child was reportedly fishing alongside a man and another child when the accident took place.
In a desperate attempt to save the child, the man entered the water immediately but was unable to rescue the young one, the RCMP stated. The authorities have not disclosed the age or gender of the missing child, which has added to the community's concern.
As the search continued into the evening, the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association shared their sentiments on social media, expressing a collective yearning for a positive outcome. “As night falls and the search continues, we collectively yearn for a positive resolution,” they posted. “The hope for a miracle in the morning unites us all.”
In light of the ongoing search efforts, the RCMP have requested that the public avoid the area to ensure that officers and partner agencies have the necessary space to conduct their work effectively. The search is being supported by a variety of agencies, including the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre, ground search and rescue groups, firefighters, Emergency Health Services, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association.
As of Friday, April 18, 2025, search and rescue operations have ramped up significantly, with teams working tirelessly to locate the missing child. The community remains hopeful, rallying around the search efforts and supporting one another during this distressing time.
Local residents have expressed their concern and solidarity through various platforms, emphasizing the importance of coming together in moments of crisis. Many have taken to social media to share their thoughts and prayers, hoping for the safe return of the child.
The search operations are being coordinated meticulously, with each agency playing a crucial role. Ground teams have been deployed to comb the surrounding areas, while aerial support from the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association has been requested to provide a broader perspective on the search area.
The river at Cook’s Cove, where the incident occurred, is known for its scenic beauty, but it can also present challenges during search operations due to its currents and varying depths. This has prompted searchers to proceed with caution, ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.
As the day progresses, search teams remain committed to their mission, driven by the hope of finding the child. The community's support has been unwavering, with many expressing their gratitude toward the first responders and search crews who are dedicating their time and resources to this critical operation.
In the face of uncertainty, the resilience of the community shines through. Residents are reminded of the importance of safety while engaging in outdoor activities, particularly near bodies of water. Accidents can happen in an instant, and the ongoing search serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance.
Authorities continue to update the public as the search progresses, and they remain optimistic about the outcome. The collaborative efforts of various agencies highlight the strength of community and the commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals, especially children.
As search operations persist, the hope remains that the child will be found safe and sound. The collective spirit of the community, combined with the dedication of the emergency services, fosters an environment of hope and resilience during this challenging time.
For now, the search continues, with all eyes on the water and the surrounding areas, as everyone involved holds onto the hope for a miracle.
