Parents’ Worst Nightmare: The Story of Madeleine McCann

The Search Begins

Immediately after Madeleine was found to be missing, Gerry McCann sent his friend Matthew to the reception desk in order to call the police. The resort immediately began protocol for missing children and at least 60 staff members and guests began searching into the early morning hours.

Across the island people were screaming her name, thinking perhaps the little girl had wandered off. Officers soon arrived on the scene and also brought patrol dogs and then search and rescue dogs to search for Madeleine in various natural and man-made features in the surrounding territory. Police also waited until the previous morning to put up roadblocks around 10 AM. Soon British police also got involved although it would remain a Portuguese operation.