A missing fisherman in Far North Queensland since Saturday afternoon, April 29, has launched a widespread Australia crocodile hunt in search for two monster reptiles, which were captured and euthanized.
Local authorities killed the two crocodiles that they believed to be responsible for the victim named Kevin Darmody, which remains to be found even as of Tuesday, May 2.
Authorities believed the 65-year-old, at the time of his disappearance, was fishing at Kennedy Bend in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park.
While investigation is still underway, there is strong evidence that Darmody was killed by the wild animals in the said area, which is infested by hundreds to a few thousand crocodiles.
Crocodiles are known for their habitats in shallow waters, especially murky lakes, ponds, and rivers.
In Australia, two species saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni) inhabit the country's freshwater bodies of water.
The wild animals' presence is common in northern Queensland waterways, according to Queensland authorities.
Crocodile attacks on humans are also a common occurrence in Queensland, despite assessment of experts that fatal attacks are rare.
In recent months, there have been several cases of both fatal and non-fatal crocodile attacks in Australia.
In April, a 44-year-old man survived a crocodile encounter in Queensland after poking the eyes of the predators using his fingers.
Missing Fisherman in Queensland
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Rex, one of the world's largest crocodiles eats beef ribs at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo on October 3, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. The 700kg crocodile ate his first meal today, after three months in hibernation.
The missing man's friend, who was nearby at the time of the incident, said Darmody was fishing along the banks of the Kennedy River when he suddenly heard splashing noises before he disappeared, according to a statement by Queensland's Department of Environment and Science on Sunday afternoon, April 30, as cited by Newsweek.
It was reported that local officials on Monday evening, May 1, removed the two massive crocodiles, measuring 13.5 feet and 9 feet in length, from the upstream where Darmody was reported fishing.
Crocodile Attack Investigation
Despite crocodiles being the likely culprit, Detective Acting Inspector Jason Chetham stated the cause of the Australian man's disappearance remains unclear, adding that it was possible that a crocodile dragged him into the water.
Chetham also told local reporters that the area is a national park and the presence of wild animals, including wild crocodiles, are there.
In relation to the investigation, a twist of events further strengthened the case that the missing fisherman was eaten by crocodiles after Australian officials discovered "items of relevance" inside one of the two crocodiles they shot dead, The Telegraph reported.
Precautionary Measures
A permanent ban on fishing is not feasible to avoid future Australian crocodile attacks.
With this, the Department of Environment and Science provides several tips or precautionary measures when fishing in Queensland waterways:
- stand at least 5 meters back from the body of water's edge during fishing.
- use a barrier such as an esky or tackle box between you and the water.
- leave the lure since people attacked in the past were attempting to recover their fishing lure.
The Queensland government agency also provided other advice, which can be seen on its website.
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