A little boy who vanished from his family’s sprawling sheep station five days ago may still be alive, according to a renowned survivalist.
The frantic search continues for four-year-old August Lamont, also known as Gus, who was last seen playing in sand near the remote property, roughly 40km south of Yunta in South Australia‘s Mid North, about 5pm on Saturday.
Survivalist and Alone Australia Season one runner-up Michael Atkinson believes Gus could still be alive and urged emergency responders to continue the search until he’s found.
He pointed out that having grown up on the property, Gus would be comfortable in his surrounds, adding that farm kids are often more resilient.
‘The kid’s background is a hugely important factor, in some ways being young is actually an advantage because you don’t realise the seriousness,’ Atkinson told the Adelaide Advertiser.
Gus was last seen wearing a grey broad-brimmed hat, blue long-sleeved shirt with a Minion picture from the movie Despicable Me on the front, light grey pants, and boots.
This would have helped protect him from the elements in recent days, according to Atkinson.
‘Having a hat is important as it keeps your head warm and if you look at the time of year, it is probably the best time of year as it’s not too hot or cold,’ he added.
The desperate search continues for four-year-old Gus, who’s been missing since Saturday
Survivalist and Alone Australia Season one runner-up Michael Atkinson believes little Gus is still alive
A skilled tracker has been called in after a child’s footprint (pictured) was discovered 500m from the homestead on Wednesday
It comes as a child’s footprint was discovered 500m from the property’s homestead on Wednesday.
‘We’ve positively identified that it’s a child’s footprint,’ Superintendent Mark Syrus said.
‘It’s a very similar boot pattern to what Gus was wearing when he went missing.’
A skilled tracker was brought in to follow the footprint trail, which Mr Atkinson said would be invaluable to the search.
He urged authorities to continue aerial patrols every night.
‘He could be hiding under a bush not seen from one angle, but he could be captured from another,’ he said.
South Australia Police has not released photos of Gus as per his family’s wishes.
Police do not believe Gus has been taken, as the only people who would travel on the nearby road are station owners.
Supt Syrus said it was ‘unusual’ for Gus to wander as he ‘normally stays within the confines of the area’.
‘But, who knows what goes through a four-year-old’s mind?’ he said.
‘We understand he’s a pretty quiet sort of lad but he is, as you know, a country lad and he’s pretty adventurous as well.
‘But him moving out of the area is a little bit unusual.’
Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
More to come.
