Search Intensifies for Missing Infant After Tragic Ocean Discovery Near Port MacDonnell
July 27, 2026
Major Crime detectives and forensic specialists have arrived at the scene to assist, with aerial support from emergency services in Victoria and South Australia aiding the operation.
Support resources, including Lifeline and beyondblue contact numbers, are available for those affected by the incident.
State Emergency Services and police continue searching for the missing infant following the incident.
Two bodies—identified as a 36-year-old woman from Compton and her toddler—were recovered from the ocean near Port MacDonnell, with a second infant still missing and grave safety concerns.
Investigators are seeking witnesses who may have seen the white Isuzu MUX and are asking the public to contact Crime Stoppers.
Authorities have identified the woman and toddler and say investigations are continuing regarding the third infant.
Authorities are appealing for sightings of a white Isuzu MUX with registration S592BJR and reviewing dashcam footage; public tips to Crime Stoppers or police are welcome.
Emergency helicopters from both states are assisting in the ongoing search.
Police confirm grave concerns for the missing infant’s safety and remain actively en route with detectives and forensic specialists to the scene.
Two bodies recovered near Port MacDonnell are a 36-year-old woman from Compton and her toddler; a third infant remains missing with serious concerns for their safety.
Emergency services were alerted to a car with its engine running west of Port MacDonnell before recovering the bodies.
The discovery occurred after 11:15 am when emergency services were dispatched to the Cape Northumberland Road area following reports related to a car found with its engine running west of Port MacDonnell.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Jul 27, 2026
Baby missing after mother and toddler found dead off coast of South Australia
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Jul 27, 2026
Bodies of mum, toddler pulled from ocean
The Nightly • Jul 27, 2026
Port Macdonnell: Police search for baby after bodies of mother, toddler found
The Sydney Morning Herald • Jul 27, 2026
Mother, toddler found dead in waters near Vic-SA border, as police search for second child