Police are resuming the search for Gus Lamont, the four-year-old boy who went missing over a month ago, in South Australia.
Officers will return to his family’s remote homestead at Oak Park Station, around 40km south of Yunta, on Friday to drain a large dam on the property.
The dam, which is about 4.5-metre deep and located about 600 metres from teh homestead , was previously searched by police divers in the initial days Gus went missing.
“The draining of the dam will enable a comprehensive visual search to be completed, particularly areas with underwater vegetation,” police said on Thursday morning.
“The renewed search of the dam is being undertaken to rule out the possibility Gus may have drowned.”
“This follows extensive ground and air searches of the area surrounding the homestead since Gus disappeared.”
The four-year-old was last seen playing in sand on his family’s sheep station on the evening of September 27.
Task Force Horizon investigators consisting of 12 specialists have used a drone to assess the remote terrain, but have not yet uncovered any evidence. They are still conducting further aerial imaging extending 10km from the property.
“This is being done in stages and will take several weeks to complete,” police said.
On October 17, police concluded a four-day ground search for Gus, following an initial 10-day search which involved police, military personnel, SES volunteers, trackers and neighbours.
No traces of the young boy were found during this latest search, but police have reassured that investigators have not uncovered “any evidence of foul play”.
Gus was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, boots, a hat and long pants when he went missing.
His family continues to cooperate fully with investigators.
“Gus’s absence is felt in all of us, and we miss him more than words can express. Our hearts are aching, and we are holding onto hope that he will be found and returned to us safely,” they said in a previous statement.
“We are incredibly grateful to the South Australia Police, emergency services and the many organisations and community members, neighbours and friends who have come together to help find Gus.”
Image: 9News/ South Australia Police
