The family of a toddler who went missing near a known habitat for crocodiles has been told by police he is unlikely to be alive.
Two-year-old Ruben Scott went missing from his family homestead at around 5pm on Tuesday night local time.
He wandered off when he was in the care of relatives, and a frantic search got underway at Koolatah Station, on the Cape York Peninsular.
Search underway for toddler in Australia lost in known crocodile area
Family members, employees and neighbours began the search in the remote station, before calling the police.
Police told the heartbroken family on Thursday night they believe Ruben hadn't survived the harsh conditions.
Cape Patrol Inspector Mark Henderson broke the news, The Daily Mail reported.
"It's with regret that last night I had to sit with the family and advise them that the survivability of their son and grandson has now passed," Inspector Henderson said on Friday.
"That won't stop our efforts. We've had some 1700 square kilometres, 450,000 square acres to search.
"It's been a hard task and we've given it our best but paediatric experts have told us that survivability has passed."
Ruben's grandfather had previously thanked the community for their assistance.
"We are preparing for the worst at the moment," the Daily Mail reported he said.
"As a family, we’d just like to thank a few people who have helped us out along the way with the search for Ruben. Hopefully we can find Ruben today."
Ruben was described by his mother Natasha on Facebook as the "greatest person ever".
The station is situated near a lagoon and borders the Alice River and the Mitchel River. It is a known habitat for crocodiles.
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