South Australian police have formally called off the search for three-month-old Lewis Wright, confirming that specialist divers were unable to locate the missing infant in dangerous waters off the state's south-east coast. The decision brings a devastating chapter to a close, following the deaths of Lewis's mother Helena Wright and his sister Hazel Wright, whose bodies were recovered from the water at the base of a cliff near Port MacDonnell on July 27.

Search Suspended After Hazardous Conditions Defeat Dive Teams

The marine operation was formally wound down on July 29, after search crews spent days contending with powerful swells, dangerous surf and poor underwater visibility along the Cape Northumberland coastline. Despite the initial suspension, specialist divers returned to the rocky stretch of coast the following week in a further attempt to find the infant.

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens acknowledged on Tuesday that the prolonged operation had placed significant strain on all those involved.

"This is a really difficult investigation and search effort for those involved," Commissioner Stevens said. "We have had our divers down late last week, conducting further search activity. We'll be making assessments as to what further search activity is undertaken."

Police had previously described the underwater environment as "extremely hazardous", with rough terrain and strong surges making conditions beneath the surface particularly treacherous. Investigators indicated the fall from the cliff would not have been survivable for a child of Lewis's age.

No Formal Search, But Police Remain Vigilant

Limestone Coast Superintendent Trent Cox stressed that while the structured search effort had concluded, police would continue to respond if anything came to light along the coastline.

"It doesn't mean that from time to time we won't get called to investigate something that may have washed up," Superintendent Cox said. "But for now there's no formal search effort underway."

The statement offers little comfort to a community deeply shaken by the incident, but confirms that authorities have not entirely closed the door on recovering the infant.

Deaths Classified as Murder-Suicide; No Other Suspects

Detectives have classified the deaths of Helena and Hazel Wright as a murder-suicide. Police do not believe the trio fell from the cliff accidentally, and investigators have found no evidence that any other person was involved.

A coronial investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened at the Cape Northumberland cliff face last month. The case has drawn widespread public grief, with a community fundraising effort established in memory of the family.

The Port MacDonnell tragedy has prompted broader conversations about family safety and warning signs. Reporting on similar cases — including a examination of domestic violence red flags that could have prevented murder — underscores the ongoing need for awareness and early intervention.

Anyone with information that may assist the coronial investigation is urged to contact South Australian Police.