Divers find no sign of missing girl

An underwater search of theLaHave River in Bridgewater has turned up noclues in the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl.

Five RCMP divers took turns searching theriver Tuesday for Karissa Boudreau, who was last seen nine days ago.

Bridgewater police Sgt. John Collyer said the team was only able to go in the icy water for 15 minutes at a time, so would return on Wednesday.

"They do have a fair bit of river to cover," he said.

The dive teamwas concentrating on an area of the river right behind the Sobeys parking lot, where the Grade 6 student was last seen Jan. 27.

A fire boat broke up the ice in preparation for the dive. The river is flowing now, but last week it was frozen solid.

The RCMP are investigating one theory that Karissa tried to walk home from Sobeys by crossing the river.

As divers searched the river, people sat in parked cars watching nearby. Some people told CBC News they were concerned about Karissa and wanted to see how the search was progressing.

Gail Simone Conrent said she looks for one of Karissa's pink Crocs shoes every time she drives by the river.

"It's pretty sad," she said. "I've gotthree kids of my own and I know how I would feel if I were the mother."

At Karissa's school, several collages describing her as "friendly" and "awesome"are on display in the lobby.

Mark MacLeod, principal of Bridgewater Elementary School, said it has been a tough time for everyone and the school has been particularly quiet.

Last week, Penny Boudreau made a public, tearful pleato her daughter, urging the girl to return home or call.

She said the two got into an argument in the parking lot outside Sobeys, and when she returned later to the car,Karissa was gone.

Karissa's picture has been circulated throughout Atlantic Canada.Police saythey have received many tips from the public, although none has led to the girl.

An aerial search of theriver Monday turned up no sign of her.

Karissa was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black vest andblue jeans. She is five feet tall and130 pounds.