massale zoektocht in numansdorp eindigt in tragedie
Numansdorp, zondag, 15 februari 2026.
Ina (75) uit Numansdorp werd na een grootschalige zoekactie dood teruggevonden. De vrouw met dementie was sinds donderdag vermist uit zorgcentrum De Buitensluis. Ruim 150 vrijwilligers, veteranen en speurhonden deden mee aan de zoektocht. Ook een politiehelikopter en het Veteranen Search Team waren ingezet. De vrouw werd zaterdagochtend gevonden langs de Energieweg, vlakbij een opslagplaats voor bouwmateriaal. Ze droeg alleen een dun fleecevest bij temperaturen rond het vriespunt. De gemeenschap is geschokt. Het drama werpt vragen op over de veiligheid binnen het open zorgcentrum waar bezoekers vrij kunnen komen en gaan. De politie doet onderzoek naar de precieze toedracht van het overlijden.
intensive search effort mobilizes community and specialists
Over 150 volunteers including veterans and SARDOGZHZ search dog teams joined forces in the hunt for Ina. The operation began after her disappearance from De Buitensluis care center on Thursday afternoon around 15:00–16:00 hours [1]. Equipped with binoculars and sturdy footwear, participants combed through polders near Numansdorp [2]. Police deployed aerial surveillance with a helicopter scanning areas along Hollands Diep, particularly focusing on a trailer access point near Haringvliet where one trail led [1][3]. Despite these efforts, initial searches were halted overnight due to darkness before resuming Friday morning [4].
tragic discovery ends hopes early saturday
Hope turned to sorrow when Ina’s body was discovered Saturday shortly after 10:00 AM near the Energieweg in Numansdorp [2][3]. She was found close to a construction materials storage site approximately thirty minutes’ walk from the care home [2][5]. Emergency responders confirmed she had already passed away upon discovery [2]. Her clothing—a thin fleece jacket—was inadequate for freezing nighttime temperatures recorded across the Hoeksche Waard region during the search period [2][5]. Authorities expressed deep regret over the outcome while thanking all involved parties for their dedication and swift action [3].
scrutiny falls on security protocols at open-care facility
The tragedy sparked immediate criticism regarding safety measures at De Buitensluis, which functions both as a nursing home and public space housing a library [2]. Although dementia patients typically wear wristbands that lock exit doors, concerns arose about unrestricted visitor access enabling potential elopement incidents [2][4]. Director Arjan in ’t Veld of operator Alerimus acknowledged procedural reviews would follow but emphasized the resident’s right to autonomy under the Wet zorg en dwang legislation [2]. He noted staff conducted three internal building checks immediately after realizing her absence, involving forty to fifty employees searching onsite and nearby grounds [2].
investigation underway amid grief-stricken community
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ina’s death [3][5]. While no definitive conclusions have been released, officers continue gathering evidence including reviewing local camera footage [1][5]. Community members remain shocked, reflecting on how unity born out of concern culminated in profound loss [2]. Family representatives requested privacy during mourning despite earlier appeals urging public assistance via social media platforms [4]. Officials remind citizens to report relevant observations directly to law enforcement channels moving forward [3].