Video: Dozens search Steenwijk overnight for boy, 8, who wandered off in subzero weather

More than 100 volunteers joined police and emergency services overnight in a major search for an 8-year-old boy reported missing in Steenwijk. The boy, about 1.2 meters tall with black hair, was last seen wearing blue rain boots, a blue jacket, and blue-and-white pants.

Around 9:30 p.m., a report came in that someone was in the water near the Chinese restaurant Dynasty. An hour later, the fire department reported removing someone from the water. Later, it turned out that this was not the case.

Despite the false report, local residents quickly shifted from onlookers to active search participants. By 11:00 p.m., roughly 50 people had gathered after a police officer encouraged them to assist, de Stentor reported. Volunteers received vests, signed forms with instructions, and were organized into groups of eight. The search extended to Oostermeenthe, about two kilometers from the center, and nearby Park Rams Woerthe, where members of the Veteranen Search Team joined.

Teun Hakvoort, chairman of the Coordination Team for Missing Persons, explained the scale of the operation: “We ask ourselves, how far can an 8-year-old walk? We are covering the entire area. We exclude nothing. In theory, anything is possible. In practice, it is often different. We will check every square meter.”

A group messaging app was set up, and by 2:00 a.m., it included more than 700 participants sharing tips and updates. Anyone making jokes about the situation was quickly told off, de Stentor reported.

Many volunteers were reportedly lightly dressed despite freezing temperatures. Some brought equipment, including sticks, helmets, and thermal cameras, while some showed up with dogs.

Hakvoort highlighted the community’s dedication: “On the one hand, it is incredibly remarkable. But this is the third large search for a child in two weeks. You can see that hundreds of people want to help. The involvement of citizens is enormous.”