Dozens continued the search overnight for two-year-old Chase Martens near Austin, Manitoba Wednesday night.
Under a bright orange moon and with flashlights in hand, volunteers combed through fields and ditches near the toddler's home, located about 30 minutes west of Portage la Prairie.
Shortly after 7 p.m., emergency vehicles moved to an area behind the boy's home but officials did not release specific details on this part of the search effort.
Once dark, only trained personnel and people with search and rescue skills stayed on looking for Martens. RCMP say they have enough assistance in the search and are not asking for any more volunteers at this time.
Searchers looked in an area of a kilometer and a half overnight Wednesday, but still found no trace of the missing toddler.
Many of the searchers on scene travelled from Brandon and Winnipeg to help find Martens.
"It just seemed like the right thing to do. Two-year-old boy, it's cold, dark. Tough on a little kid, tough on anyone," said James Fedorowich, who came from Brandon Wednesday to help search for the toddler.
Four members of Winnipeg's Bear Clan Patrol travelled with flashlights to look for Martens overnight.
"[Anyone ] who has kids...must know what the parents are going through. I have a heart so I come for my service," said Darryl Contois, as he stood on the road leading to the Martens family home.
Martens was playing in his yard when he went missing Tuesday around 6 p.m. He has blue eyes and light brown hair. He was wearing a blue jacket, black splash pants, a red hat and boots that light up when he walks.
Search continues Thursday
Searchers worked throughout the night Wednesday, looking in an area of a kilometer and a half radius, but still no sign of the missing toddler. Searchers will be covering a three and a half kilometre radius Thursday.
RCMP say trained searchers are returning to help continue the search Thursday and they are not asking for any more volunteers at this time.
“Pray,” RCMP Sgt. Bert Paquet asked people to do. “We’ve seen miracles happen before, we’re hoping for one here.”
RCMP is also thanking the Office of the Fire Commissioner and the community volunteers for their assistance with the ongoing search. RCMP will be making a statement on the search at 11 a.m. Thursday.
