A gripping and concerning incident unfolded on the South Gippsland coast as a 12-year-old boy from Melbourne went missing during a swim, prompting an extensive search operation.

The boy, identified only as Danny, was enjoying a swim at No 4 Beach in Venus Bay, located approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Melbourne. The incident occurred shortly before lunchtime today, leaving his family and others at the beach in a state of distress.

Originating from Taylors Hill, Danny’s family, alongside concerned members of the public, began a frantic search after losing sight of him around 11:30 am. Their efforts were soon bolstered by the arrival of emergency services, who were contacted shortly after 1 pm.

The search operation quickly escalated, involving a coordinated effort from the air wing, water police squad, Coast Guard, State Emergency Service, Life Saving Victoria, and fellow beachgoers. Despite the challenging circumstances, the community united in hopes of a positive outcome.

The search was set to persist through the night and, if necessary, continue into the following morning. Authorities have shared a description of Danny, detailing him as approximately 170 centimeters tall, with a thin build, dark short hair, and dark eyes, as they urge anyone with information to come forward.

Danny was described as about 170 centimetres tall with a thin build, dark, short hair and dark eyes.

He was wearing a navy blue rash vest and navy blue boardshorts with a white stripe when he disappeared. 

Venus Bay’s tiny population of 500 can surge into the thousands as anglers, surfers and families arrive for holidays, according to Visit Melbourne.