RCMP officials in Cape Breton have revealed that a recent alert concerning a medical crisis on a trail near Ingonish, N.S., which prompted a joint response from law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical personnel, turned out to be a false alarm.
CBC News received reports on Tuesday about speculations involving a woman giving birth on the trail and reached out to the RCMP for clarification. The RCMP acknowledged being aware of the rumors and were in the process of issuing an official statement.
According to the RCMP news release, authorities were notified on Monday at approximately 3:45 p.m. after an individual texted 211 Nova Scotia seeking assistance for a medical emergency near Ingonish beach. However, the RCMP declined to confirm whether the emergency involved a childbirth incident.
Following the report, police, paramedics, and firefighters swiftly mobilized and extensively searched the area. Additionally, Parks Canada personnel joined the search efforts as the location falls within the boundaries of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Despite employing off-road vehicles and a drone, the search was eventually halted after several hours. The decision was made due to the lack of further communication from the distressed individual and the absence of any indication of medical distress in the vicinity.
Authorities suspect that the incident may have been a case of “swatting,” where fake reports are made to law enforcement to provoke a significant response at a targeted site. An investigation is currently ongoing as authorities strive to identify the sender of the distress message.