RCMP officials in Cape Breton have confirmed that a report of a medical emergency on a trail near Ingonish, N.S. was proven to be false after an extensive response from law enforcement, fire services, and medical personnel. CBC News reached out to the RCMP on Tuesday following rumors suggesting that a woman had given birth on the trail.
The RCMP acknowledged being aware of the rumor and were in the process of preparing a news release. According to the release, the RCMP received a notification on Monday at approximately 3:45 p.m. stating that an individual had texted 211 Nova Scotia seeking assistance for a medical emergency near Ingonish beach. However, the RCMP did not confirm whether the emergency pertained to a childbirth incident.
Emergency responders, including Park Canada staff, conducted thorough searches in the area using off-road vehicles and a drone. Despite extensive efforts, the search was called off after several hours due to the lack of further communication from the distressed individual and the absence of any evidence indicating a need for medical assistance.
Authorities suspect that this incident may be a case of swatting, a form of hoax in which a false report is made to provoke a significant police response at a specific location. The investigation is ongoing as the police work to identify the source of the misleading message.