The Quebec provincial police are urging the public to inform them of any encounters with a 4-year-old girl's snowsuit in the vicinity of the Mistassibi River. The child went into the river on December 23. (SQ)
In Dolbeau-Mistassini, Quebec, the quest for a missing four-year-old girl has shifted from a rescue operation to a recovery mission, according to the provincial police. The child disappeared last Friday after accidentally falling into the Mistassibi River while sledding with her mother near the riverbank, approximately 240 kilometres north of Quebec City.
Since the incident, law enforcement has been actively scouring the river in search of the young girl. The search efforts include officers examining the riverbanks, a nautical team monitoring the waters, and a helicopter conducting aerial scans of the area.
In an attempt to expedite the search, a team of divers was enlisted. However, their participation was halted on Monday due to hazardous ice conditions, as confirmed by Sgt. Hugues Beaulieu, a spokesperson for the provincial police. He mentioned that nightfall has compelled the authorities to suspend the search every evening since Saturday for safety reasons. Beaulieu anticipates the search operations to recommence on Wednesday.
On Monday, provincial police took a proactive step by releasing photographs of the child's clothing. The images showcase a distinctive rainbow-patterned coat and violet snow pants. Authorities urged the public to report any sightings or information related to the girl along the river, seeking collaborative efforts in their ongoing search.
The community, undoubtedly affected by the distressing incident, is anxiously awaiting updates on the search and hoping for a positive resolution to the situation. As the rescue operation transitions into a recovery mission, the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and public vigilance become crucial in the attempt to locate the missing child. The authorities remain committed to their mission, with plans to resume search operations promptly, taking into account the challenges posed by the environmental conditions.
