By Lachlan Abbott
Two young boys have died in separate tragedies in regional Victoria within 24 hours.
Emergency services were called to the Angusvale campground in East Gippsland – between Bairnsdale and Dargo – on Friday to reports a boy had gone missing after last being seen in the Mitchell River around 11.20am.
Police said the boy was found dead in the water about 2.50pm.
Meanwhile, the small country town of Boort in north-central Victoria was left reeling after the death of a three-year-old boy in a caravan fire on Thursday evening.
Boort District Health chief executive Donna Doyle on Friday described the fire on Lake View Street as an “unimaginable tragedy”.
Police said the child was from the Bendigo area. He was visiting extended family who are long-time Boort residents.
“The family are totally devastated and wrapping each other in love and support at this time,” Doyle told reporters in the Loddon Shire town on Friday.
“They’ve just had Christmas and new year and wonderful, amazing experiences with their families and friends and memories to cherish ... forever now.”
Arson detectives attended the scene on Friday to investigate the cause of the fatal fire.
Police also noted the incident was particularly distressing for residents of the small town, which is about an hour’s drive north-west of Bendigo.
“Officers are aware of the impact that such a tragic incident has on family, community members and first responders and will ensure that welfare services are in place,” a police statement said.
A second drowning occurred on Friday afternoon off the coast of Rye on the Mornington Peninsula.
Police said a jet-ski rider found an unresponsive male in waters off Butler Street just before 5.30pm. He was brought to shore but died despite efforts to save him.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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