Lansdowne Station children Lily and Jack Sullivan missing since Friday morning

As the search for two missing children in Pictou County enters its fifth consecutive day, search and rescue teams remain committed, though visibly fatigued. The intense operation has seen ground crews, dog teams, aerial units, and community volunteers scouring miles of dense woodland, rivers, and rural terrain in hopes of finding the children—eight-year-old Noah MacLeod and his six-year-old sister Ava—who vanished late Saturday afternoon from their family’s remote property near Hopewell.

Despite long hours, challenging terrain, and difficult weather, those involved in the search continue to hold onto optimism. Each day begins with a morning briefing where teams review updated maps, overnight developments, and safety instructions. From there, dozens of searchers fan out into assigned sectors with the aim of leaving no stone unturned. In recent days, the command post has been fortified with additional support from other counties, as well as expert consultants in child search behavior and terrain tracking.

The children were last seen playing near a wooded path behind their home, an area bordered by thick trees, uneven ground, and a series of shallow streams that eventually feed into the East River. Their mother, Emily MacLeod, told authorities they were outside around 3:30 p.m., and when she called them in for supper an hour later, there was no sign of them. A frantic search began immediately, and by nightfall, the RCMP had initiated a full-scale response.

Local authorities were quick to escalate the situation, deploying thermal drones, search dogs, and ATVs to cover more ground. Helicopters equipped with infrared imaging joined the effort at first light the following morning. Yet, five days later, no confirmed sightings or significant evidence has been found, despite extensive efforts. What has been located—partial tracks, snapped branches, and other ambiguous signs—have offered leads, but none have yet produced conclusive results.

RCMP spokesperson Sergeant Dale Hennessey addressed the public on Wednesday, acknowledging the strain on resources but emphasizing that the investigation remains fully active. “Our teams are tired, yes—but absolutely committed. Every moment matters. We are rotating personnel to avoid burnout and bringing in fresh teams where possible. Hope remains strong. These are children. They can survive. And we will find them.”

Officials continue to explore multiple avenues, though the primary theory remains that the children are lost and disoriented somewhere in the thick forest. Search experts say that in cases like these, children often follow water sources, may hide when frightened, or circle back unknowingly. Specialized child psychology consultants have advised teams on how children behave under stress and fear, influencing the choice of audio search cues such as familiar voices and soothing tones, which are periodically broadcast in the woods.

Back at the command center, a growing number of volunteers has arrived daily to offer assistance—delivering food, managing logistics, or simply being present for moral support. Local restaurants have donated meals for searchers, while residents have opened their homes to out-of-town volunteers. Messages of encouragement decorate the fence surrounding the command post: drawings from classmates, signs with the children’s names, and words like “Don’t give up” and “Bring Noah and Ava home.”

The MacLeod family has remained near the scene, often seen embracing volunteers or quietly waiting for updates. Emily MacLeod gave a brief and emotional statement Tuesday, thanking everyone involved and pleading for anyone with even the smallest piece of information to contact police. “We know they’re out there,” she said, her voice cracking. “We just need someone to see something, remember something—anything.”

So far, RCMP have interviewed more than 80 people and reviewed numerous home security and dashcam videos from the area, looking for signs of the children or suspicious activity. While the focus remains on search and rescue, police confirm that they are conducting a parallel missing persons investigation and that no possibilities have been ruled out, including the potential for foul play or abduction.

Though searchers report growing physical and mental fatigue, they also describe a deep emotional connection to the children and the family that keeps them going. “This kind of case pulls at every part of you,” said Jeff MacDonald, a volunteer searcher from New Glasgow. “You look around and see your own kids in their faces. You don’t stop. You push through because they’re out there waiting for someone to find them.”

Environmental challenges have added to the strain. Rain and overnight cold have made certain areas slippery and treacherous, and recent storms have swollen creek beds and muddied paths. Crews are working in rotating shifts, wearing GPS trackers and maintaining strict communication protocols to ensure safety. Medical personnel are on site to provide treatment for exhaustion, injuries, and dehydration.

At local schools, classmates of Noah and Ava are processing the situation with the help of counselors and teachers. Artwork and notes of hope fill classroom walls, and assemblies have been held to offer comfort and support. “We’re trying to help the children talk about what they’re feeling,” said Principal Janice Keller of Hillview Elementary. “This is something that touches the whole community, young and old.”

In the wider region, support has poured in from all corners of the province. Emergency services from Halifax, Cape Breton, and beyond have sent personnel and resources. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston issued a statement praising the resilience of the searchers and expressing solidarity with the family. “The strength and compassion of the people of Pictou County has been extraordinary,” he said. “We are all praying for Noah and Ava’s safe return.”

As the search continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant but cautious about spreading rumors or unverified information online. In a recent briefing, Sergeant Hennessey addressed the surge of social media speculation surrounding the case. “Please allow investigators to do their jobs. Speculation can harm, not help, especially when it distracts from evidence-based efforts.”

The next phase of the search will include a reassessment of previously covered zones and deeper dives into more remote areas, particularly downriver where water may have carried scent or signs. Marine units are scheduled to scan those areas using sonar equipment. Officials say search maps are being updated in real time based on new data and expert input.

Despite the overwhelming effort already undertaken, no one involved is ready to give up. There is a collective understanding that as long as there is even the smallest chance the children are alive, every step, every scan, and every search matters.

As another day of searching ends with no definitive breakthrough, the people of Pictou County and all those involved cling to the hope that tomorrow brings new answers—and the safe return of two missing children to the arms of their family.