A THREE-HOUR search by emergency services and volunteers turned to tragedy on Monday afternoon when the body of a 21-month-old boy was found by a family friend in a small dam off Dunn Road, Hamilton, shortly after 1pm.

A search party involving around 60 people got underway after a call was made to triple zero at about 10.15am, advising that a toddler in a yellow jumpsuit had gone missing from a nearby property.

Emergency crews including around 15 Victoria Police officers and several CFA volunteers, joined with around 30 family, friends and neighbours to search surrounding areas, with a police helicopter also deployed to assist.

Hamilton SES agency commander, John McKenzie, said 10 members were in attendance to assist in the search, with the child found unresponsive at about 1.10pm.

“We just attended the search until the boy was found and then unfortunately, the result wasn’t what we wanted,” he said.

Police officers performed CPR until the ambulance arrived and he was subsequently transferred to the Hamilton Base Hospital in a critical condition, however, sadly, he was unable to be revived.

Hamilton Police acting sergeant, Kim Talbot, said sergeant Kelly McNaughton was in charge of the search, with several officers immediately deployed when the call first came in.

 “After that first hour, those concerns really increased,” acting sergeant Talbot said.

“The search crew was then joined by police officers from Heywood, Casterton, Coleraine and Warrnambool Highway Patrol.

“It wasn’t the outcome we were hoping for – very tragic – it was beyond our control given the circumstances.

“It was a good, combined effort by all services that were involved.

“We saw a real community spirit in everyone that was involved, including the SES and CFA volunteers, and friends, family and neighbours that were helping.

“Police officers that were involved in the search are being supported by wellbeing services and chaplains that are available when there is a critical incident like this.

“It was a tough day for all involved.”

Hamilton SES members involved in the search have also been offered counselling assistance and support.

“We’re going to have some internal review stuff for our members – some support to make sure everyone’s OK,” agency commander McKenzie said.

A close friend of the child’s family who assisted in the search told The Hamilton Spectator that the family was grateful to everyone for helping look for their son and for all the love and support from the community.

“They take comfort knowing he is in Heaven, safe for eternity with Jesus,” they said.

Police will prepare a report for the Victorian Coroner.