Body of eight-year-old boy recovered after he disappeared while kayaking

The body of an eight-year-old boy who vanished while kayaking with his older brother in Western Australia has been recovered by police divers.

The boy named Sol was on a family camping trip at Fernhook Falls, near Walpole, when it is believed he fell out of a kayak on October 10.

Sol’s brother heard him cry out for help but the boy could not be found at the time, prompting an emergency search for him.

Great Southern District Superintendent Kim Travers said in a statement that the boy’s body was recovered on Sunday.

“Sol was located by the search team on Friday morning ... and a complex operation commenced to safely recover his body,” she said.

“The recovery would not have been possible without the mutual trust and respect of the family who have remained on-site throughout this recovery operation.

“The family have been advised and have expressed their thanks to all emergency services and volunteers involved.”

Supt Travers said the family would make a statement at some point.

“The circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident will be subject of a report to the coroner,” she said.