# Missing children search operations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/missing-children-search-operations
> Updated: 2026-08-19T03:56:39.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2.

In early August 2026, two separate search operations in Spain resulted in the recovery of missing children. A 16-year-old girl missing since July 17 in Pineda de Mar was returned home safely, and a 5-year-old boy who disappeared in Castelló d’Empúries was found in good condition on a beach following a coordinated search by police and citizens.

By mid-August, new searches were initiated for different missing individuals. In San Luis, Argentina, authorities activated the ‘Alerta Sofía’ to locate 3-year-old Nancy Aitana Isabela Ibarra, deploying police, canine units, and tactical groups near an abandoned factory. Simultaneously, in Valladolid, Spain, the Guardia Civil began searching for 16-year-old Sofía M. A., who disappeared on August 5 and may have left her residence following a dispute with her parents.

On August 19, the search for Nancy Aitana Isabela Ibarra concluded successfully. Following an intensive operation involving approximately 400 personnel, including drones, firefighters, and specialized canine units, the three-year-old was located near her residence at approximately 1:00 AM. A canine unit, specifically a dog named Uma, played a critical role in tracking her scent. Prosecutor General Sebastián Cadelago confirmed the child was found sleeping and in good health. After receiving medical attention, she was reunited with her family. Governor Claudio Poggi praised the coordinated efforts between judicial and security agencies that led to the successful outcome.

## Claims

- The girl was located after 00:30 on Wednesday in an industrial area. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The child was found sleeping near her home. (disputed)
- The Ministry of Security activated the Alerta Sofía protocol to locate the missing child. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A three-year-old girl was found safe and sound after being reported missing. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The search operation included police officers, brigadiers, specialized dogs, and drones. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: San Luis: Three-year-old girl found safe after disappearance

A three-year-old girl, Nancy Aitana Isabela Ybarra, was found safe in San Luis, Argentina, after a large-scale search operation involving police, drones, and specialized dogs following her disappearance.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-launch-searches-for-missing-children-in-argentina-and-spain

### 2026-08-02: Two Missing Children Located in Spain After Days of Search

A 16‑year‑old girl in Pineda de Mar and a 5‑year‑old boy in Castelló d’Empúries were found after days of searches, with families and police thanking the public for their help.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-missing-children-located-in-spain-after-days-of-search

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Cite as: Missing children search operations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/missing-children-search-operations