It’s been eight days since siblings Lilly and Jack Sullivan were reported missing by their mother in rural Canada, with no sightings of the two.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have scoured through dense forest with 160 trained volunteers alongside drones and K9 units, before announcing mid-week that they would “scale back” search efforts, The Guardian reported.

After days of searching around Pictou County where Jack, 4, and Lilly, 6, were last seen at home, Sergeant Robert McCamon said confidence was dropping in finding the siblings.

“The likelihood they’re alive right now is very low,” he said during a press conference, The Guardian reported.

Newsweek has reached out to the RCMP via email Saturday for the latest details on the search for the missing pair.

The Context

The latest press release from the RCMP said the children are believed to have wandered away from their home on Gairloch Road in Lansdown Station, Pictou County.

The case is being treated as suspicious per protocol as all missing persons cases “are treated as suspicious until our investigation leads us to determine otherwise” Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon said during a press conference, according to the CBC.

What To Know

The children are members of the Sipekne’katik First Nation, the second largest Mi’kmaw community in Nova Scotia, according to the tribe’s post on Facebook.

“Our Chief and Council, administration, and the entire community are united in our strong desire to see these children return home safely,” the tribe wrote in its post on Tuesday. “Our thoughts are with them every moment until they are found.”

In an on-camera interview outside of the family home, Daniel Martell, stepfather to the missing children, told the CBC that he and his wife, Malehya Brooks-Murray, were with their baby when they believe the kids went out the back sliding door.

The stepfather told the CBC he’s been fully cooperating and giving the police access to “everything I own.”

Martell said the kids were not at school on the Friday they were reported missing or the day before because Lilly had a cough.

“They searched every rock, every root. Everything,” Martell said. “I’ve been giving them every detail, everything from my bank account statements to all the information that came off my Google maps.”

The CBC reported that Martell has even offered to take a polygraph test, although authorities wouldn’t confirm to the outlet whether that was taking place.

“I just want to clear it up for everyone, not just the people online making crazy accusations and everything else,” he said. “I asked for that early on, and there’s not many places that do that in Canada, so they’re flying somebody in.”

What People Are Saying

Cyndy Murray, the children’s grandmother, told The Canadian Press: “We’re just hoping and praying for the best—that’s it—for our babies to come home.”

Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon said during a press conference: “I want to assure Nova Scotians that our missing persons investigation continues. Our focus remains on finding Lily and Jack. Our best investigators are working every aspect of this file, and our work won’t stop until we know where Lily and Jack are and can bring them home.”

The Sipekne’katik Chief & Council posted on Facebook: “We encourage community members to come together to support one another. Whether through sharing helpful information, providing emotional support, or participating in awareness efforts, every action counts. Let’s continue to keep Jack and Lily close in our hearts and minds as we navigate this challenging time together.”

What Happens Next?

MacKinnon told reporters they would continue to go back over searched areas with smaller crews to focus on specific locations.

It has now been over a week since Lily and Jack Sullivan, two young siblings from rural Nova Scotia, vanished from their home in Pictou County. The disappearance of the six-year-old girl and her four-year-old brother has gripped the community and the nation, prompting an extensive search and investigation. Despite ongoing efforts, no confirmed sightings or concrete clues have emerged, leaving friends, family, and officials desperate for answers.

From the moment their disappearance was reported, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) launched a large-scale search involving air and ground teams, canine units, and volunteers. Helicopters equipped with thermal imaging technology have scoured dense forests and fields around the West River Station area, hoping to spot any sign of the children. Canine units have worked tirelessly to pick up scents, and specialized search and rescue groups have coordinated efforts to cover every possible route the children might have taken.

Despite these exhaustive efforts, the terrain in the rural area presents significant challenges. Thick woods, uneven landscapes, and proximity to waterways complicate search operations, especially when searching for young children who may be frightened or hiding. Search coordinators have described the environment as “difficult to navigate,” but maintain their commitment to finding Lily and Jack.

The RCMP has repeatedly called on the public for assistance, asking anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. Tips have ranged from unconfirmed sightings to observations of unusual vehicles or people near the Sullivan home in the days before the disappearance. Each lead is being carefully investigated, but so far, none have resulted in a breakthrough.

Family members have expressed deep anguish and hope in equal measure. The children’s mother, Amanda Sullivan, has made rare public statements pleading for help and understanding. “Our hearts are breaking,” she said in a recent interview. “We just want our babies home safe. If anyone knows anything, please speak up.” The children’s stepfather, Daniel Martell, has also appealed to the community to keep looking and to refrain from spreading rumors that could hurt the family or the investigation.

Local residents have shown remarkable solidarity, organizing search parties, distributing flyers, and holding vigils. Businesses and schools in the area have supported these efforts, and many have reported increased awareness about child safety and community vigilance since the disappearance.

Law enforcement continues to focus on both investigative and search operations. Investigators are analyzing electronic devices recovered from the family residence for any clues. They are also interviewing family members, neighbors, and others connected to the family to reconstruct a timeline and better understand the circumstances leading up to the disappearance.

One complicating factor in the case is the involvement of Child Protective Services (CPS), which has taken custody of the Sullivan family’s youngest child, 16-month-old Meadow. CPS’s involvement suggests concerns about the safety or well-being of the child amid the ongoing investigation, although no public details have been released. Daniel Martell confirmed he had been denied access to Meadow, indicating potential restrictions placed by authorities.

Throughout this period, the RCMP has urged the public to avoid speculation, particularly on social media platforms where misinformation can spread rapidly. Police officials have stressed that spreading unverified details or accusations could interfere with the investigation or cause further trauma to the family.

Psychologists specializing in child behavior have also weighed in on the case. Dr. Naomi Lentz, a trauma expert, emphasized that young children can become easily disoriented and frightened when separated from familiar environments. “Children of Lily and Jack’s ages might hide quietly or move toward sources of comfort, such as water or familiar animals,” she explained. “It is crucial that search efforts are thorough and consider these behavioral patterns.”

Despite the emotional toll, search and rescue teams remain vigilant and committed. Volunteers continue to patrol areas both near and far from the children’s home, working in shifts to maintain a constant presence. The community has rallied around these teams, providing food, rest areas, and encouragement.

The media attention on this case has been intense, with national outlets covering every development. Yet, with no confirmed sightings or physical evidence, the story remains shrouded in uncertainty. Authorities hope that increased publicity will encourage new witnesses to come forward and that someone with critical information will break the silence.

As days stretch into weeks, the resilience of the family and community is being tested. Local leaders have called for unity and compassion, reminding everyone that behind the headlines are real people enduring unimaginable pain.

Law enforcement officials have promised continued transparency where possible and have committed to keeping the public informed as the investigation progresses. “We are doing everything within our power,” said Superintendent Lisa MacPherson of the RCMP. “Our priority remains the safe return of Lily and Jack.”

For now, the people of Pictou County, Nova Scotia, and indeed all Canadians, remain on edge. The hope for the safe recovery of Lily and Jack Sullivan is the driving force behind every search mission, every tip line call, and every vigil held in their honor.

The story of these two young children is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of community in times of crisis. As the investigation continues, so too does the collective prayer that Lily and Jack will be found and reunited with their family.