Ventimiglia: Search continues for missing 5-year-old boy from campsite

VVentimiglia – A major search operation has been launched to find Alain Bernard Ganaos, the 5-year-old boy who disappeared last night from the “Por la mar” campsite in the Latte district of Ventimiglia, where he had arrived a few hours earlier with his parents and sister for a short vacation.

The child, who has autism and is nonverbal, is said to have wandered off while his father was setting up the tent, making the search even more complicated: Alain may not respond to calls from rescuers, increasing anxiety for his safety.

The alarm was raised immediately, mobilizing a search operation involving firefighters, carabinieri, civil protection, dog units, mountain rescue, and numerous volunteers.

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"We've launched a search operation involving as many people as possible," said Imperia Fire Department Deputy Chief Alessandro Giribaldi. Last night, approximately eighty rescuers searched the area, supported by two firefighter and Carabinieri helicopters.

During the night, drones equipped with night vision goggles and thermal imaging cameras from the SAPR (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) system scanned the area, while specialists from the TAS (Topography Applied to Rescue) department mapped the areas already inspected and those still to be explored.

Le research, which continued unabated throughout the night, are now also focusing on analyzing surveillance cameras in the area and gathering testimonies from anyone who may have seen the child.

 We are also searching with drones

A meeting at the prefecture is planned to further coordinate efforts. The presence of wooded and inaccessible areas surrounding the campsite has prompted the authorities to involve the Alpine Rescue team, ready to intervene in more complex situations. The local community is apprehensive, while Alain's family is experiencing hours of anguish.

The child's autism makes the situation even more delicate, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to bring him home safely. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.