Recovery Operation Underway for Missing 12-Year-Old at Venus Bay
A 12-year-old boy, identified as Danny from Taylors Hill, is the subject of a recovery operation after he went missing while swimming off Number Four beach at Venus Bay, South Gippsland, on Sunday.
Police reclassified the extensive search efforts from a rescue to a recovery operation due to the duration of his disappearance.
Incident Details
Danny was last seen in the water by his family just before noon on Sunday, during the Australia Day long weekend. His family and members of the public initiated a search after losing sight of him. Emergency services were notified of his disappearance around 12:30 PM on Sunday.
Number Four beach is located approximately 120 kilometers south-east of Melbourne. The exact circumstances of Danny's disappearance, including whether he was swept into the ocean, remain under police investigation. Search efforts are covering both water and surrounding land.
Extensive Search Efforts Underway
A large-scale search commenced on Sunday afternoon, involving local uniformed police, the Air Wing, Water Police Squad, Coast Guard, State Emergency Service (SES), and Life Saving Victoria. Members of the public also joined the initial efforts, and Ambulance Victoria paramedics were placed on standby.
Search operations continued into the late hours of Sunday night, during which no trace of Danny was found. The search of Number Four beach resumed at 5:00 AM on Monday, with a large vessel from Melbourne anticipated to assist later in the day. Drones are being utilized, and a trained rescue coordination team is overseeing the operation, providing guidance on swell and tide information. Acting Senior Sergeant Matthew Wade confirmed the extensive nature of the search, stating that operations would continue as long as conditions allowed.
Description of Danny
Danny is described as approximately 170 centimeters tall with a thin build, dark, short hair, and dark eyes. He was last observed wearing a navy blue rash vest and navy blue boardshorts with a white stripe.
Hazardous Beach Conditions and Safety Warnings
The incident occurred as the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club championships concluded. While the club typically patrols Number One beach during summer, Number Four beach, where Danny was last seen, is unpatrolled. The club is located five to ten minutes' drive from Number Four beach.
Sea conditions on Sunday were described as rough, with wind from the south-west. Venus Bay is known as one of Victoria's rougher beaches, characterized by strong undercurrents, particularly at its unpatrolled sections such as Number Four beach. Wildlife carer Sue Moore highlighted the dangers of unpatrolled Venus Bay beaches compared to Port Phillip Bay. Number One Beach is the only patrolled beach in Venus Bay, with others, including Number Four, considered dangerous. Thousands of people were present at the beach on Sunday.
History of Drownings and Safety Advice
Venus Bay has been the site of previous drownings. In January 2021, a science teacher drowned while assisting a struggling teenage girl. In 2014, a man in his 20s also drowned at Number Four beach.
Life Saving Victoria advises individuals to swim between red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
Police Appeal for Information
Police urge anyone with information regarding Danny's whereabouts to contact Wonthaggi Police.