Newborn Found Dead At Beach Was Abandoned 2 Days Before Discovery

A newborn baby was found dead at a Melbourne Beach in Australia Wednesday. The remains of the newborn girl were discovered by a passer-by at the beach near Seaford, adjacent to Nepean Highway, at around 4:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. EDT) on Wednesday.

According to authorities, the umbilical cord and placenta were still present on the infant’s body.

Victoria police were investigating the scene and were in search of the newborn’s mother. Following tests that were conducted to determine the exact time frame in which the infant may have died, police said they believe the baby was abandoned at the beach between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time (2 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT) on Monday.

In a statement released Friday, the police department mentioned that they were concerned about the health and welfare of the deceased infant’s mother, who was yet to be identified. They mentioned that investigators were appealing the woman to contact the police as soon as possible while adding that the mother’s wellbeing was the primary focus.

"At this stage, she is yet to be located and ensuring her wellbeing is the primary focus of the current investigation," police said. "The exact circumstances surrounding the death and the identity of the infant are yet to be determined at this stage.”

Meanwhile, members of the local community at Seaford have come forward and paid their tribute to the infant girl by leaving toys, flowers, and messages at the entrance of the beach.

The cause of the child’s death has not been determined as of yet and the case was still under investigation.