Family of a two-year-old boy who went missing near crocodile-infested waters have been told he is likely dead.
Ruben Scott was last seen near the Koolatah Station homestead, on the western side of Cape York Peninsula on Tuesday afternoon.
The boy wandered off while in the care of relatives, who have desperately been searching the 'rugged and challenging' terrain ever since.
Police told the little boy's shattered family on Thursday night they believe Ruben hasn't survived the harsh conditions.
The update comes as Ruben’s heartbroken grandfather Noel Scott thanked the community for their assistance in the search.
'We are preparing for the worst at the moment,' Mr Scott said on Friday as he fought back tears.
Hopes of finding a missing toddler who vanished from a remote crocodile-infested area alive are fading as the search enters its fourth day
He also thanked everyone involved in the search for Ruben, which has continued into its fourh day.
Cape Patrol Inspector Mark Henderson said his thoughts went out Ruben's family, friends and the communities of Maramie and Kowanyama, as well as everyone involved in the search.
'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.'
He added that his thoughts go out Ruben's family, friends and the communities of Maramie and Kowanyama, as well as everyone involved in the search.
Despite losing hope, police, SES and volunteers continue to scour the property and neighbouring waterways with the help of police divers.
'We won't stop and will continue to try and find
