Hours after an alligator grabbed a 2-year-old boy and dragged him into the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World, a frantic overnight search has so far been unsuccessful.
Orange County authorities said the child and his father were wading in about one foot of water outside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa when the alligator attacked around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.
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Sheriff Jerry Demings said the father, who suffered some sort of scratches, tried to grab the child from the gator but was unsuccessful.
The family is vacationing from Nebraska, Demings said.
Orange County authorities said 50 people, including two marine units, were involved in the overnight search and about the same number of people would continue the search Wednesday.
Video: Family was visiting from Nebraska
Florida Fish and Wildlife units are also assisting and have an alligator trapper on the water with deputies. As of 6:30 a.m., four alligators had been retrieved from the lake, euthanized and examined for possible involvement in the attack. So far, no evidence has been found that any of the four were involved.
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Jeff Williamson said this is still a search and rescue operation. He hopes bringing in fresh eyes and additional personnel Wednesday will help in the efforts.
This is a breaking news story. Local Orlando media coverage will be updated as needed.
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