Search for missing girl Cleo Smith at Blowholes in Gascoyne continues as mum posts heartbreaking update

Phoebe PinThe West Australian
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VideoA desperate search for a missing girl at the Blowholes campsite in Carnarvon will continue until last light this evening.

The mother of a four-year-old girl who vanished on a family camping trip in WA’s remote Gascoyne, sparking a major search operation, has posted a heartbreaking update overnight.

The search for Cleo Smith was back in full swing at first light this morning, with police and State Emergency Service crews from Kalbarri, Geraldton and Carnarvon scouring the harsh coastline and bush near the Blowholes campsite.

Police this morning took the details of caravans leaving the campsite, with The West Australian understanding it is preferred — but not necessary — for guests to leave the site.

Cars and campervans were searched by police before the turning off to Carnarvon.

Camera IconSES crews scour the coastline. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian
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One family leaving the Blowholes said they arrived at the camp after the toddler went missing and cut their trip short.

A Carnarvon local said there were up to 60 caravans and tents at the campsite in the recent school holidays.

The local said they knew Cleo's family but had opted to give them privacy.

Cleo was last seen about 1.30am yesterday in the family tent at the campgrounds, about 70km north of Carnarvon.

Camera IconPolice searched vehicles as they left the Blowholes. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian

She was reported missing when her parents woke around 6am and realised she had vanished from their shared tent.

In a 1.45am update to her Facebook post that has now been shared more than 49,000 times, Cleo’s mum Ellie Smith said: “It’s been over 24 hours since I have last seen the sparkle in my little girl’s eyes! Please help me find her! If you hear or see anything at all please call the police!”

The desperate search for Cleo continue through the night on the ground with other land, marine and air assets resuming at first light this morning.

She was last seen wearing a bright pink pyjama suit with blue florals and yellow butterflies,

Ms Smith earlier described her daughter’s disappearance as “very unusual”.

“Please if you see anything unusual or suspicious call the police,” she said. “We are currently searching high and low with police, SES and locals.”

It is understood the family are familiar with the area and often go there to camp.

Camera IconCleo Smith with mum Ellie Smith and Jake Gliddon. Credit: Dominiques Visuals/Dominiques Visuals

Carnarvon shire president Eddie Smith said the tight-knit community was deeply saddened by the news and was doing what it could to help.

He said the family were well-known locals.

“Everybody is hoping for the best,” he said.

“The community is deeply concerned. Everyone is trying to jump onboard and do what they can to help and we are all praying for a positive outcome.”

The area is a popular camping spot but can be dangerous for unsuspecting tourists.

Camera IconThe Blowholes north of Carnarvon. Credit: Stephen Scourfield/The West Australian

A tourism page describes the blowholes as having “powerful ocean swells” and “jets of water” that can sometimes erupt as high as 20m in the air.

Another site warns that the area has “large sharks” that frequently come close to shore.

However, it has also been described as generally safe to go swimming.

Anyone with information should immediately contact police on 131 444.

Camera IconThe search for Cleo started again at first light. Credit: Phoebe Pin/Geraldton Guardian

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