As the third morning broke over the coastal shores of Cape Breton, search teams gathered once again at the community center in St. Peters. Exhaustion lines the faces of RCMP officers and local volunteers who’ve been combing through dense woodland since Monday when 8-year-old Jacob Mitchell and his 6-year-old sister Emma were reported missing from their grandparents’ property.
“We’re utilizing every resource at our disposal,” said RCMP Constable Marie LeBlanc during yesterday’s evening briefing. “Ground search teams, helicopter surveillance, and drone operations continue throughout daylight hours, and we’ve expanded our search radius to cover approximately 7 kilometers from the last known location.”
The Mitchell children were last seen playing in the backyard of their grandparents’ rural property along the Salmon River Road around 4:30 PM Monday. According to family statements, their grandmother had stepped inside to prepare dinner, and upon returning less than fifteen minutes later, discovered the children had wandered off.
What began as a family’s frantic search quickly escalated into a major RCMP operation that has now drawn in over 130 volunteers from surrounding communities. The response reflects the close-knit nature of Cape Breton communities, where neighbors helping neighbors remains a cornerstone of island culture.
“We’re not leaving any stone unturned,” said volunteer coordinator Doug MacPherson, a retired forestry worker who’s been organizing civilian search teams. “These could be any of our children or grandchildren. The terrain is challenging—thick brush, boggy areas—but we’ve got locals who know every trail and deer path through these woods.”
The search faces particular challenges as temperatures have dipped below 10°C overnight. RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Andrew Davidson confirmed search teams are operating with urgency given the weather conditions and the children’s ages.
“Both children were dressed in light clothing—jeans and T-shirts—not appropriate for extended exposure to the elements,” Davidson noted. “This remains a critical search operation where time is an essential factor.”
The Mitchell family moved to the area just last year from Halifax. Their father, Robert Mitchell, made an emotional plea at yesterday’s press conference.
“Jacob and Emma don’t know these woods well,” he said, voice breaking. “Jacob has a distinctive red backpack with dinosaur patches that he takes everywhere. Emma was wearing a purple shirt with unicorn designs. If anyone sees anything, please contact authorities immediately.”
Search efforts have been bolstered by specialized teams from Halifax, including K-9 units that arrived late Tuesday. The provincial Emergency Management Office has also deployed additional resources, including thermal imaging equipment for nighttime operations.
According to the latest Nova Scotia missing persons statistics released in February, approximately 82% of missing children cases are resolved within the first 48 hours. However, rural disappearances present unique challenges, particularly in areas with extensive wilderness.
Community response has been overwhelming. The St. Peters Community Center has transformed into a bustling command post, with local restaurants donating meals and nearby hotels offering complimentary rooms for visiting search personnel. Volunteers staff a 24-hour canteen, ensuring searchers remain hydrated and nourished.
“This is what Cape Breton does,” said Mary Sampson, who’s been coordinating meals since Tuesday morning. “When our own are in trouble, we show up. Period.”
Social media has amplified the search, with posts about the Mitchell children reaching over 200,000 shares across Atlantic Canada. While RCMP appreciate the public engagement, they’ve cautioned against spreading unverified information that might complicate search efforts.
“We understand everyone wants to help, but please verify information through official RCMP channels before sharing,” emphasized Constable LeBlanc. “Misinformation can divert valuable resources away from productive search areas.”
Weather forecasts predict rain moving into the region by tomorrow
