Search for Missing Boy Gus Lamont Scaled Back in South Australia
The search for four-year-old August "Gus" Lamont, who went missing on Saturday, September 27, near Yunta, South Australia, has been scaled back. Despite extensive efforts, no significant trace of the boy has been found, leading police to transition the search to a recovery mission.
Details of Gus' Disappearance
Gus was last seen playing in a mound of dirt at his family's Oak Park Station homestead, approximately 40km south of Yunta. His grandmother noticed he was missing around 5:30 PM after he was left unattended for around 30 minutes. He's described as shy but adventurous.
He was wearing a grey sun hat, a cobalt blue long-sleeve shirt featuring a yellow Minion, light grey pants, and boots when he disappeared. The family searched for three hours before contacting police. The vast and remote terrain of the sheep station has posed significant challenges to search efforts.
Search Efforts and Findings
A large-scale search operation was launched involving police, State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Aboriginal trackers, and specialized equipment. The search area spanned approximately 470 square kilometers.
- Ground Search: Included extensive searches by foot, vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles.
- Aerial Search: Involved helicopters and drones equipped with infrared technology, the same technology used in the search for the remains of Julian Story.
- Water Search: Specialist divers searched water tanks and dams on the property.
One footprint was found approximately 500 meters from where Gus was last seen, however, subsequent investigation deemed the print unrelated to the search. Another small boot print found near a dam was also dismissed as unrelated to Gus.
Investigation Update
Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott stated that the police are confident they have done all they can within the search area. The investigation has been handed over to the Missing Persons Investigation Section, which is part of the Major Crime Investigation Branch. This is standard practice for long-term missing persons cases.
"We are confident that we’ve done absolutely everything we can to locate Gus within the search area, but despite our best efforts, we have not been able to locate him, and unfortunately, we are now having to scale back this search for Gus," said Assistant Commissioner Parrott.
Community Response and Concerns
Despite the police scaling back the search, the community is being urged to provide any information that may assist. Many individuals have offered support and shared their concerns, including former SES volunteer Jason O'Connell, who expressed doubt that Gus is still on the property. There also have been reports of "online vitriol" directed towards the family. Alex Thomas, a friend of the family has spoken out against the hateful comments.
The search has drawn comparisons to other high-profile missing persons cases, such as the search for Cleo Smith in Western Australia. Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains active. Police state that they will "never give up hope of finding Gus."
The family of Gus Lamont has issued a statement expressing their heartache and requesting privacy as they continue to cooperate with the police. They describe Gus as a shy but adventurous child and a good walker. Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately.
