The piercing sounds of rescue dogs and helicopter rotors broke the dawn silence over Shelburne County today as RCMP officers expanded their search for two children who went missing Thursday afternoon near East Green Harbour, Nova Scotia.
Six-year-old Daniel and four-year-old Charlotte Fleming were last seen playing in their backyard around 4:30 p.m., according to RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Megan Richardson. The children’s mother reported them missing after she checked on them at 5:00 p.m. and discovered they had wandered away from the family’s rural property.
“We’re dealing with challenging terrain—dense woodland, several small ponds, and uneven ground,” Richardson told me during an on-site interview this morning. “Every minute counts in these situations, especially with temperatures dropping overnight.”
The search effort has grown substantially since Thursday evening, now involving more than 60 trained search and rescue personnel, K-9 units, drones equipped with thermal imaging, and a Department of Natural Resources helicopter. Local volunteers have also mobilized, establishing a command center at the East Green Harbour Community Hall where they coordinate logistics and provide support to search teams.
“These first 48 hours are absolutely critical,” explained search coordinator James Thorpe, a 22-year veteran of Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue. “The children are young, which presents specific challenges, but children this age sometimes travel surprising distances when disoriented.”
Weather conditions have cooperated thus far, though forecasts indicate rain may arrive by Saturday evening, adding urgency to the operation. RCMP has requested residents within a 10-kilometer radius check outbuildings, sheds, vehicles, and any other places where children might seek shelter.
The Fleming family moved to the area approximately eight months ago from Halifax, according to neighbors. Community member Elizabeth Crowell described the outpouring of support: “Everyone’s dropped everything to help. That’s what we do here—we look after our own.”
RCMP officials confirm the children were wearing light jackets unsuitable for overnight conditions, increasing concerns about exposure. Daniel was last seen in blue jeans and a red sweater, while Charlotte wore pink leggings and a white jacket with butterfly designs.
Investigators have not ruled out any scenarios but emphasized there is currently no evidence of foul play. “Our primary focus remains on the ground search based on the information available,” Richardson stated. “We’re asking anyone who has information or thinks they might have seen the children to contact us immediately.”
As darkness approaches on day two of the search, emergency responders prepare for another night of operations with portable lighting systems being deployed to key search areas. The community vigil grows at the command center, where residents continue to arrive with food, blankets, and determined spirits.
For the latest developments on this breaking story, visit CO24 Breaking News.
