Hamilton Police Search for Missing 7-Year-Old in Binbrook Conservation Area

Based on coverage from CBC, Global News, CP24, Toronto Sun, InSauga, and CityNews.

Hamilton police are asking the public for help finding seven-year-old Nathanael Selambi, who went missing Wednesday afternoon at Binbrook Conservation Area in Hamilton.

Nathanael was last seen around 3 p.m. on the beach near the floating inflatable playground, according to a Hamilton Police Service news release. Police set up a command post and continued searching into Thursday. The conservation area in Hamilton’s southwest Binbrook area was closed Thursday as the search continued, CBC reported.

Missing child search at Binbrook Conservation Area

Investigators say Nathanael was last seen at Binbrook Conservation Area on Harrison Road in Binbrook. Several outlets describe the same last-known location: the beach area by the floating inflatable playground.

Hamilton police say officers are actively searching the area, and they have appealed to anyone who was at the conservation area Wednesday to come forward if they saw Nathanael or have any information that could help.

Description of missing boy Nathanael Selambi

Police describe Nathanael Selambi as a Black boy with a skinny build, about 4 feet tall, with short or shaved hair.

Based on a photo taken July 1, police say he was wearing: - A white tank top with Thomas the Tank Engine pictures on the front - Green shorts with a small orange logo above the left knee - Green swim goggles

Police have shared his photo and description publicly as part of the effort to get tips from anyone who may have been at the beach or nearby trails and parking areas around the same time.

Hamilton police, fire, and OPP helicopter involved

The search has involved multiple units and agencies. Hamilton police and Hamilton fire have been conducting what police described as an extensive search into Thursday.

According to reports citing police, Hamilton Police Service deployed its Ground Search and Rescue Team, Marine Unit, Mounted Unit, and investigative units. Officers also used all-terrain vehicles to comb the area. Police also confirmed support from an Ontario Provincial Police helicopter and the Peel Regional Police Marine Unit.

Separate Binbrook incident: kayaker dies

During the search operation, emergency crews also responded to a separate, unrelated incident at the conservation area involving a male kayaker who capsized, according to reporting based on emergency updates.

The man was pulled from the water and taken to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police have not released a description of the man.

How to contact Hamilton police or Crime Stoppers

Police are asking anyone who saw Nathanael Selambi at Binbrook Conservation Area on Wednesday, or anyone who may know where he went, to contact Hamilton police at 905-546-3886.

Tips can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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