Search concludes at Port MacDonnell

About 11.15am on Monday 27 July, emergency services were called to an area of coastline west of Port MacDonnell after a vehicle was located abandoned with its engine running.

During subsequent enquiries, police tragically located the body of a woman and her toddler in the ocean.

The woman and child have been identified as a 36-year-old from Compton and her 23-month-old daughter.

Police spent the remainder of daylight hours yesterday and then returned early this morning to search for a second child, the woman's three-month old son, who remains missing. Officers hold grave concerns for his welfare.

Officers from the Water Operations Unit and SES volunteers assisted with the search.

Police were forced to cease the search for the missing boy about 3.30pm due to severe weather conditions however it is intended to resume at first light on Wednesday morning.

Detectives from Major Crime Investigation Branch and specialist officers from Forensic Response Section travelled to the scene last night to investigate their tragic deaths with Limestone Coast investigators.

At this time, there is no information to suggest that any other persons are involved in the incident, and reports will be prepared for the coroner.

Police are seeking information from anyone who saw the woman’s car, a white 2015 Isuzu MUX with SA Registration S592BJR, or has any dashcam footage to come forward and contact police. A similar vehicle is pictured below.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000 and quote #195585.