A newly discovered footprint has brought renewed hope in the desperate search for missing boy Gus, a four-year-old who vanished from his family’s remote property in South Australia’s mid-north.
August, affectionately known as Gus, disappeared on Saturday afternoon while playing near the family’s sheep station close to Yunta, about 300km north of Adelaide. With scorching heat and no access to food or water, authorities fear for his wellbeing.
In a promising breakthrough, searchers located a child-sized footprint on Tuesday night roughly 500 metres from the homestead. Superintendent Mark Syrus confirmed it closely matches the boots Gus was wearing when he went missing.
“It’s a very similar boot pattern and a significant find for us,” he told ABC Radio.
Despite the harsh outback conditions, police and volunteers remain determined. Teams using drones, helicopters, trail bikes, mounted units, and divers are combing the rugged terrain. A specialist tracker has also joined the operation to interpret clues.
Authorities, however, continue to prepare the family for all outcomes.
“Five days is a long time for a young child without shelter,” Syrus said. “But this footprint gives us hope.”
Gus’s family is heartbroken but hopeful.
“Our hearts ache, but we are holding on to hope that Gus will be found safe,” family spokesperson Bill Harbison shared.
Gus has long, blond, curly hair and was last seen in a grey sun hat, cobalt blue T-shirt with a yellow minion, light grey pants, and boots. Police have ruled out any suspicious circumstances.
