AUSTIN, Man. — The search for a missing toddler who disappeared while playing outside his rural Manitoba home is expanding to include bodies of water.
RCMP Sgt. Bert Paquet says underwater dive teams have been brought in to search creeks and shorelines.
He says searchers remain hopeful, but are mindful that it's been more than 36 hours since two-year-old Chase Martens vanished.
Chase was last seen by his parents about 6 p.m. on Tuesday playing in the yard at the family's home near Austin.
Paquet says foul play has not been ruled out, but is not the focus of the investigation.
He says Chase's parents are distraught and desperate as hundreds of people continue to look for their little boy.