‘Please help’: Mom makes emotional plea as massive search for missing son continues at Castle Island

BOSTON — The desperate mother of a missing 4-year-old boy is calling out to the public for help as crews on Monday continue to search the water off Castle Island for her young son.

Law enforcement officials launched an intensive search on Castle Island and the surrounding ocean for Mohamed Fofana, of South Boston, on Sunday night.

Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Boston firefighters, Boston police, Boston EMS, and the Coast Guard combed a sprawling area well into the night without any trace of the child.

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Missing Boy Mohemed Fofena (Family Handout)

MSP told Boston 25 News that Mohamed was playing at a park on Castle Island on the South Boston coastline with an adult family member Sunday evening. Shortly after 7 p.m., the relative lost sight of Mohamed. They couldn’t find the little boy and called 911 around 7:30 p.m.

Mohamed’s mother said her son was with his grandfather and sister when he disappeared. She also noted her son doesn’t speak.

“Please help me. If someone has Mohamed, I need Mohamed. Please help me,” the boy’s mother said in an emotional plea. “He’s autistic, he doesn’t talk. Please, please.”

Water search resumes Monday for missing boy off Castle Island

Mohamed’s grandfather said the park was crowded while they were playing and that they were unfamiliar with the area.

MSP patrols responded and conducted a sweep of the area. Multiple other agencies and units then assisted in the search by land, air, and water.

Police remained on the scene overnight after suspending the search around 1 a.m. Monday. The search resumed Monday morning with officials shutting down parts of Castle Island to sweep the area with K9 dogs. Boats and divers were also searching a section of ocean known as the Western Way, which connects Dorchester Bay to the south and the Boston Main Channel to the north.

State police said three boats are using side-scan sonar to obtain images of the ocean floor. Divers are also searching along the Castle Island seawall out to 150 years offshore.

The state police airwing and the Boston Fire Department Drone Unit are also conducting an aerial search of the coastline. Chelsea, Cambridge, Massport, and DCR officials are also assisting.

In a statement, Boston Public Schools confirmed that Mohamed was a student in their system.

“We are deeply concerned to hear of the disappearance of one of our students, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the entire school community during this difficult time,” BPS said.

Mohamed is Black and was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and blue footwear. Anyone who sees Mohamed or who has information about him should call 911 immediately.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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