A teenager has died after a suspected crocodile attack off an island in the Torres Strait, police have confirmed.
Thursday Island water police launched a search and rescue operation near Saibai Island after receiving reports at about 4am on Thursday that a 16-year-old boy was missing.
The teenager, and a 13-year-old boy, reportedly attempted to swim back to shore from a broken down dinghy, Queensland police said.
On Thursday night a spokesperson confirmed that they had discovered the body of the older boy.
They have since confirmed that he had injuries “consistent with a crocodile attack”.
The formal identification process has begun to confirm the identity of the body, and further testing is under way to confirm the cause of death.
A spokesperson for Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation said wildlife officers will now survey the waters off Saibai Island in order to attempt to locate the crocodile involved.
“The local community has requested the animal involved in the incident be removed from the wild,” the department spokesperson said.
The crocodile suspected to be involved in the attack is estimated to be about 3.5 metres in length.
The younger boy made it to safety.
This article by Andrew Messenger was first published by The Guardian on 19 April 2024. Lead Image: The crocodile suspected to be involved in the attack is estimated to be about 3.5 metres in length. Photograph: Stephen Miechel/AAP.
What you can do
Help to save wildlife by donating as little as $1 – It only takes a minute.
