Cape Bridgewater: Search for missing teenager who fell into a blowhole enters its third day
Searches have entered the third day of a desperate search for a teenage boy who disappeared after falling into a blowhole.
Missing boy Lauchlon Humphries, 14, lay on rocks at Cape Bridgewater, near Portland, 365km south-west of Melbourne, on Tuesday with a school friend aged 15.
Emergency services yesterday blamed a 'freak wave' that washed over the boys and swept them into the blowhole, throwing them into the sea.
The 15-year-old was able to swim back to shore that night around 7 p.m. and alerted authorities that his buddy was still in the ocean.
Since being notified of his disappearance, the families of both boys have been joined by members of the public, SES, police, air ambulance and Life Saving Victoria to find Lauchlon, and will resume the search at 11am.
A desperate search for teenager Lauchlon Humphries (pictured) enters its third day after he and another boy, 15, fell into a blowhole at around 7.30pm on Tuesday
Police revealed that although the search has been hampered by rough sea conditions over the past two days, search parties have not given up hope.
A Victoria Police helicopter circled the search area, which stretched 10km along the coast and about 2km out to sea, on Wednesday.
A water search was also carried out by police and SES using boats and jet skis to find the teenager.
His family was seen at first light at the spot where he disappeared.
Victoria Police Inspector Steve Thompson admitted on Wednesday that while police had not yet given up hope of finding the teenager alive, “it is clear that as time goes on, realistically we are becoming more and more concerned.”
Lauchlon's (pictured) distraught family were seen at the scene of his disappearance at first light on Wednesday and assisted in the search for the teenager
Search operations involving emergency services and civilians have been hampered by rough sea conditions over the past two days, but have not lost hope (photo, ambulance helicopter)
Lauchlon's friends expressed their sadness on social media on Wednesday.
“Get home safe Lauchlon, I miss you bro,” one wrote, while a second said: “I love you Lauchlon, get home safe.”
Another friend said, “I love you my brother, always forever. I love you.'
Parks Victoria warned those planning to visit the blowholes near Portland to be aware of slippery rocks, unstable cliffs and strong ocean currents in and around the natural attraction.
More to come.