Search for 4-year-old boy remains suspended, but community still combing coastlines

The search for a missing four-year-old boy in Cooks Cove, N.S., has been temporarily suspended as concerned citizens continue to scour the coastlines of eastern Guysborough County for any signs of the child. The boy fell into Salmon River near Chedabucto Bay on Thursday afternoon while fishing with a man and another child. Despite efforts by more than 13 agencies, including fire departments, volunteer search and rescue teams, and DFO, the search was called off on Saturday evening with no information suggesting the child’s safe return.

Community members have not given up hope and are actively searching for the boy, identified as Oakley in a Facebook post by Guysborough-Tracadie MLA Greg Morrow. A Facebook group titled “The Search for Oakley” has been created to coordinate search efforts, attracting over 2,200 members in a few days. Dozens of volunteers have been combing the shorelines, mapping out their search paths and sharing updates on social media.

Paul Long, warden of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and unity during this difficult time. The incident occurred near Route 16, where there is a significant distance between the bridge and the water. The community has rallied together to offer resources and assistance in the search for Oakley.

Cast Away Cafe in Guysborough has offered free coffee, grilled cheese sandwiches, and soup to search volunteers. Despite extensive search efforts, the child’s remains have not been located. The RCMP is working with partner agencies to analyze collected information and determine the next steps for the search. Additional search efforts by air will resume at a later date, with the type of craft used dependent on search needs and environmental conditions.

The Strait Regional Centre for Education has implemented additional support at schools, including counselors and staff, to provide assistance as needed during this challenging time. The community remains hopeful and united in their efforts to find young Oakley and bring closure to this heartbreaking situation.