Earlier coverage below:

The search for a 6-year-old boy who fell into the Housatonic River in Stratford Wednesday afternoon is now a recovery effort.

Crews have never stopped searching since the boy fell off a boat ramp. They say the search has been difficult and they hope to find the boy's body.

About a half dozen communities, plus the coast guard and state police have been scouring the shoreline after police say the child fell into the water while walking along the Birdseye Boat Ramp with an adult. Police say after nearly 24 hours there has been no sign of the boy.

"Toughest things that you could ever do during your career is the death of a young boy or a young child like that," said Stratford Police Captain Jerry Pinto.

Authorities have used drones, boats and jet skis.

"We're hopeful that we find the boy today. The currents are strong and it's murky and it's not easy to do it," said Pinto.

The river has been at the center of a number of recent cases, including a boy who died after being pulled from the river at Indian Well State Park last month. Family members could be seen praying, crying and hugging.

"I think it's devastating, honestly. It's just really sad and it's truly devastating," said Olivia Wells from Stratford.

"The mood here is heartbreaking. The people, even the elderly people will tell you they're fine, you can see it in their eyes, how could something like this ever happen," said Jeff Babey from Bridgeport.

Police noting the valiant efforts of a United Illuminating worker who jumped into the water in an unsuccessful bid to rescue the child.

Data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner shows nearly 50 drownings along the Housatonic River since 2021.