It seems strange that she didn't mention this in her interview on 25th May, nor did Gerry on 7th September; both were asked and both denied physically searching.
I don't know what time first light was, but I assume it was about 6 am because Kate said they were out for an hour and they were seen in a street at 7 am by GNR officer Paulo Neto.
Neil Berry and Raj Balu confirm that Gerry searched. Kate stayed home (mainly) because someone had to be there in case Madeleine suddenly came home, or the Police arrived .... whatever. She also stayed with her twins; I bet she was terified for them too
Poor Kate and Gerry, being demeaned and slated for not searching in the early hours as their friends and others searched. They were dealing with the Police, Looking after the twins, contacting home, moving into a different apartment and trying to gather themselves together. THey must have been totally gutted as reality sank in.
They searched at the crack of dawn and probably hadn't slept a wink all night (all two hours of it!)