Community rallies after child goes missing in Guysborough County river

The warden of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough says the community is doing what it can after a child went missing while fishing on Thursday in Cooks Cove, N.S.

"The community has really come together," Paul Long told CBC News on Friday. "Coffee shops, local legions and everybody … really chipping in with food to try to support the number of people at the scene.

"There's a lot of people there and they don't want to leave the area.... It's quite an emotional spot down there.'"

A multi-agency search started at around 1:40 p.m. AT on Thursday.

RCMP say the child fell into a river while fishing with a man and another child. The man jumped in the water to rescue the child, but was unsuccessful. 

No information has been made public about the child's age or gender.

Long said the incident occurred on the main bridge along the highway, near Route 16, where there is a significant distance between the bridge and the water. 

"There's a strong current and a tide that goes out to the Chedabucto Bay a couple hundred metres from where the bridge is," he said. "So, it's a fairly [strong tidal] area there."

Long said it's always difficult when these situations occur for any family, but especially during this time of year. 

"Everybody is thinking about them," he said.

"Easter time should be when the kids are looking for the Easter bunny and toys and candy and so on. So, it's a very difficult time." 

RCMP asked people to avoid the area to allow searchers to do their work. Divers could be seen in the water on Friday.