Successful Rescue of Missing Child in Haute-Savoie
A three-year-old boy was found safe and sound after a harrowing night lost in the forest in Saint-Cergues, Haute-Savoie. The child, who had wandered off while playing on a slide, was discovered by a coordinated effort involving police, firefighters, and volunteers. The family, visiting from Portugal, was staying at a former colony center in the village.
Coordinated Search Efforts
At around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, the little boy decided to follow the owner's dog, unbeknownst to his parents. After a frantic 30-minute search, the parents called emergency services at 7:57 p.m. The search operation quickly ramped up, involving nearly 50 police officers, firefighters, and volunteers. A helicopter from the Chamonix High Mountain Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) was also deployed to assist in the search.
The search area was challenging, featuring steep and heavily wooded terrain. The teams used thermal binoculars to scan the area, initially focusing downstream from the residence. Around 11:30 p.m., the dog returned alone, soaked, prompting the search teams to reorient their efforts around water points. Investigators also interviewed witnesses to consider various hypotheses, including the possibility of an accident or a bad encounter.
Finding the Child
The search continued through the night. Around 2 a.m., a police officer spotted small child footprints accompanied by dog tracks, leading the team to shift their focus upstream of the residence. Finally, a little before 5 a.m., the boy was found huddled in the forest, about 1,500 meters from the residence and 100 meters above it. Despite the ordeal, the child was safe, uninjured, and conscious.
The rescue operation was a collective effort that showcased the dedication and coordination of all involved. Lieutenant-Colonel David Drouaud, who was in charge of the operations, expressed his gratitude to the inter-service collaboration. The little boy, although frightened and not speaking French, was quickly reunited with his relieved parents.
- The child was discovered sitting and waiting, looking haggard but relieved to see adults. The night was not particularly cold, which was fortunate given the 900 meters of altitude in the area. The emotional toll on the search teams was evident, as they were deeply moved by the successful outcome.
- The operation highlighted the importance of inter-service coordination. The Haute-Savoie gendarmerie, town hall, firefighters, and various gendarmerie units worked seamlessly together. Social media posts from Thonon mountain rescue praised the bravery of the little boy and the dedication of the search teams.
