‘Search as if it were your own child’. Under this heading, the Missing Coordination Platform (CPV) searches for missing persons. This is done in collaboration with the police and family. “We offer the family a last straw,” such as for the parents of the missing Yoran from Sleeuwijk.
A spontaneous and chaotic search for a missing man in Urk was the reason for establishing the Missing Coordination Platform (CPV) foundation six years ago. “Search operations are now much more professional,” says spokesperson Ramona van Urk. “Everything we do is sponsored or donated. We have entrepreneurs who will drop everything to participate in a search campaign.”
Such a search for a missing child does not just start. “We only start a search at the request and with the permission of parents and the police. The police first work to find the missing person. Then we come into the picture because we want to offer the parents a last straw. We hold a coordinated citizen search, the police do not do that.”
Search organizations and volunteers
The CPV collaborates extensively with other search organizations and volunteers to organize a search operation. “We look at who we need in certain situations.” The spokeswoman lists the CPV’s collaborations: It Veterans Search Team, Dutch Rescue Dog Foundation, SOAD to locate drowning people, SOS Drone Team and Ready to Help of the Red Cross.
But there are also a lot of volunteers. “Our foundation now has a large database of volunteers. After receiving a mailing about a search, people can register online or on site. Due to the media attention during searches, we are constantly receiving new recruits.”
At least eighteen years old
There are conditions: participants must be at least eighteen years old. “In the past, people came looking for a stroller, we can’t have that.” They are also equipped as well as possible: safety vest, app group, group leader, digital card, prods and any aftercare.
“We help citizens by framing certain search areas in groups with coordinates,” says Ramona. The search is then done within that. That is different from how, for example, the Veterans Search Team works. “The former soldiers search in a different way. They walk in a line through a certain area.”
Search for Yoran
At least three hundred volunteers are expected to be involved in the search for Yoran on Saturday. “That number could increase further in the coming days.”
16-year-old Yoran from Sleeuwijk has been missing since December 24. His bicycle was found shortly afterwards on the Merwedebrug near Sleeuwijk. The search mainly focuses on the banks. “We assume the worst,” says the spokesperson.
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The family of missing Yoran (16) appealed to as many people as possible to join the search