With few leads, search for missing N.S. kids focuses on area where boot print found

CBC

31-05-2025

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Searchers looking for two missing kids in Pictou County on Saturday scoured the area where a boot print was found in a previous search.
But searchers concede they have little to go on and have no way of knowing if the boot print is even related to Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4. They were reported missing May 2.
"We don't know for sure it was from the children, but it's the only real thing we've had to go on thus far," said Amy Hansen of Colchester Ground Search and Rescue, who is managing the search this weekend.
Approximately 75 volunteers resumed the search on Saturday.
Lilly and Jack Sullivan went missing from their home in Lansdowne Station, N.S., just over four weeks ago. The rural area is about 140 kilometres northeast of Halifax.
Hansen said there has been no new evidence since the search was suspended two weeks ago on May 17, but crews have returned this weekend to cover particular areas of interest.
She said the search is focused on Landsdowne Lake and a nearby pipeline trail, where the boot print was located.
Hansen said the woods are full of brush and debris that have made it difficult for the searchers.
Thus far, crews have done a grid search of about six square kilometres. Hansen expects them to search an additional one or two square kilometres this weekend.
Three drones are helping with the search, but poor weather conditions mean that helicopters haven't been able to assist.
In addition to the Colchester team, ground search and rescue teams from Pictou, Strait, East Hants, Springhill, Pugwash and Halifax are also helping out today.
"We're actually starting to see people that just physically and emotionally can't return to the search at this point," said Hansen. "It's very taxing on the members."
On Friday, Daniel Martell, the children's stepfather, told CBC News the last month has been painful for his family.
"Every day when I wake up, it feels like I'm reliving a nightmare," he said.
"The main feelings of sadness just turn to anger because there's no evidence after one month."
The search for the children will continue until Sunday evening, barring any developments, said Hansen.