Missing children Lilly and Jack Sullivan and the people searching for them are facing “unbelievable conditions,” according to the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association (GSRA).

Lilly, 6, and Jack, 4, went missing from their Nova Scotia home on May 2 and are believed to have wandered into the heavily wooded area surrounding their home.

Sherry Veinot, president of the Nova Scotia GSRA, told Newsweek that this area is “almost impassable” due to fallen trees from Hurricane Fiona in 2022.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told Newsweek they are assessing and reviewing their search from the weekend of May 17 and 18 in order to plan future steps.

Missin Lilly and Jack Sullivan Staff Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, district commander Pictou County District, RCMP, speaks to reporters about the search for Lily and Jack Sullivan in Nova Scotia on May 7, 2025. Ron Ward/The Canadian Press via AP
The Context

The Nova Scotia GSRA has been assisting the RCMP alongside more than 115 people in their search for the missing children.

The search started as a wide search of the area, but was narrowed on May 7.

What To Know

According to police descriptions, Lilly has shoulder-length light brown hair with bangs. She might be wearing a pink sweater, pink pants, and pink boots.

Jack has short blondish hair. He was last seen wearing blue dinosaur boots, but no other clothing description is available.

They both attend Salt Springs Elementary. They were last seen at school on April 29. They did not have school on April 30, and were home sick on May 1 and 2.

They live on Gairloch Road in Nova Scotia, a rural and wooded area. “It is all deadfalls and trees on top of one another, meaning searchers [are] either having to climb over or crawl under them,” explained Veinot to Newsweek.

Veinot also said that it is currently the height of Nova Scotia’s tick season. Ticks can carry several infections with them, including Lyme disease, Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA), Babesiosis and Powassan virus.

Lyme disease contraction is the highest risk faced from a tick bite. It can result in a rash, fever, and muscle pain, and if left untreated, can cause facial paralysis and nervous system disorders.

Veinot’s team is looking for clues via prints, clothing and any indication of objects carried by the missing children.

Search manager Amy Hansen Amy Hansen, search manager, speaks to reporters about the search for Lily Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, at Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, on May 7, 2025. Ron Ward/The Canadian Press via AP
What People Are Saying

Sherry Veinot, president of the Nova Scotia GSRA, told Newsweek: “This search has taken a toll on searchers both physically and emotionally, and we are all hoping for a resolution.”

A spokesperson for the RCMP told Newsweek: “Investigators and search managers will be reviewing information collected during the searches on Saturday and Sunday and determining next steps. The investigation is ongoing.”

Sergeant Curtis MacKinnon, Pictou County District RCMP, said in a press release: “We extend our sincere appreciation to the search and rescue volunteers who have selflessly given up over 10,000 hours of their time since this search began. Their tireless commitment in truly gruelling conditions is appreciated by both the RCMP and the greater community.”

What Happens Next

The RCMP’s latest search efforts are being reviewed and assessed for future planning.