Search teams fanned out in fields in rural Manitoba Friday morning resuming their frantic search for a little boy who’s been missing since Tuesday.
Two-year-old Chase Martnes went missing from his farm home near Austin, Manitoba, about 120 kilometres west of provincial capital Winnipeg.
On Friday, more than 400 volunteers came together at about 9 a.m. CT and continued the search, RCMP Sgt. Bert Paquet said.
395 volunteers yesterday, well over 400 today in the search for Chase MARTENS. #rcmpmb thanks everyone for their incredible support.
— RCMP Manitoba (@rcmpmb) March 25, 2016
The search has been expanded to a 4km radius from location where he was last seen, RCMP tweeted. Officials acknowledge that they are working against the clock. After a couple weeks of warm weather, temperatures have dropped below zero in the Austin area each night since the boy was reported missing, prompting search and rescue officials to issue an urgent plea for help in the search from residents in and around the community.
Police do not suspect foul play, but are not ruling out anything, Sgt. Paquet said. The boy’s distraught parents made a tearful plea for information on Thursday. “Chase has vanished without a trace. We are looking for answers, for any information that can help bring our son home,” his father, Thomas Martens, said in a short statement Thursday afternoon as the boy’s mother, Destiny Turner, leaned on his shoulder and wept. “Anyone with information, please find it in your hearts to do the right thing and come forward. Any information is helpful.” He added, “If someone has our son, please bring him home. We won’t be angry. We will be forgiving and grateful.” His voice breaking, Martens continued, “We are devastated to have our son taken from us.”
The search for missing Toddler Chase Martens resumes this morning near Austin, Man. https://t.co/fWyn6QQrOR #cbcmb pic.twitter.com/t9pm5GVljD — CBC Manitoba (@CBCManitoba) March 25, 2016
Drone surveillance and an underwater recovery team were added to the efforts Thursday.
The toddler is described as 2½ feet tall and 30 pounds, with blue eyes and light brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket, black splash pants, a red hat and boots that light up as he walks.
RCMP are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact their local police department.
With files from CBC News
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