Authorities in Australia have discovered human remains inside a crocodile, strongly believed to be those of a 65-year-old fisherman who went missing over the weekend, according to local police reports.
Department of Environment and Science (DES) wildlife officers captured two large crocodiles upstream from the location where Darmody was last seen during a fishing trip on the Kennedy River in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, located in northeast Queensland, on Saturday.
The statement from the police revealed that the lengths of the two crocodiles were 4.1 meters (13.5 feet) and 2.8 meters (9.2 feet). DES emphasizes that attacks are predominantly carried out by crocodiles larger than two meters (over six feet).
Although human remains were discovered within one of the captured crocodiles, authorities believe that both reptiles were involved in the incident with Darmody.
Since receiving reports of Darmody’s disappearance on Saturday, Queensland police, the state emergency service, and a Queensland government rescue helicopter had been actively engaged in the search operation.
Detective Acting Inspector Jason Chetham speculated on Monday that it was possible Darmody had been dragged into the water by a large crocodile. He recounted, “It could have happened, for sure. There was a noise, a loud yell, and then the sound of the water splashing.” Chetham’s comments were reported by CNN Affiliate 9 News.
Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, which is home to estuarine or saltwater crocodiles as well as relatively shy freshwater crocodiles, encompasses rivers, creeks, swamps, wetlands, waterholes, and beaches where crocodiles can be found, according to DES.
The park, situated approximately 340 km (about 211 miles) northwest of Cairns, is one of the primary areas for estuarine crocodile conservation in Queensland.
In light of the incident, locals have urged caution regarding proximity to the water. “This happened to an extremely croc-aware person, so stay away from the water’s edges,” a community member cautioned on a local Facebook page, as reported by CNN affiliate 7 News. “Don’t take anything for granted.”
Queensland has had prior encounters with crocodiles and the risks they pose. In March, authorities in the state issued warnings for residents to avoid waters infested with crocodiles following record-breaking floods.
