Police: Search Operation in Huncovce Was Challenging, Cooperation Key

Huncovce, 29 July (TASR) - The search operation in the village of Huncovce in Kezmarok district (Presov region) earlier this week was extremely challenging, stated the police, adding that the missing three-year-old boy was eventually found thanks to the professional approach and efforts of all parties involved. A large number of people took part in the search for the boy, who went missing in a maize field near the village of Huncovce, with extensive resources deployed, the police have posted on social media. Police officers from Kezmarok, canine teams from the Regional Police Directorates in Presov, Trencin, Banska Bystrica and Zilina, as well as dog-handlers and horse-mounted search teams from the Police Corps Presidium joined the search. Professional and volunteer firefighters, mountain rescuers, the Aviation Unit of the Interior and Defence Ministries, the Slovak Rescue System and volunteer search teams also took part. The search teams used thermal-imaging drones, a helicopter, thermal-imaging monitoring vehicles, handheld thermal-imaging devices and quad bikes. "A search operation for a missing person, especially a child, is one of the most demanding forms of search. Unlike an adult, a child moves unpredictably, often doesn't respond when called, is unable to navigate the terrain and may hide out of fear or fall asleep from exhaustion in places where they are extremely difficult to spot. The success of such an operation depends not only on the scale of the forces and resources deployed, but also on the use of all available information," explained the police. The three-year-old child went missing on Monday (27 July) morning. The boy was eventually found alive and well in a forest after more than 30 hours, having also spent the night outdoors. "Throughout the entire search operation, all the participating teams were determined to do their utmost to find the boy as soon as possible. We're pleased that this had a happy end. This search operation has once again shown the importance of a professional approach, mutual cooperation and a willingness to help," said the police. ko/df