Human remains have been found inside an Australian crocodile – while authorities are hunting a missing fisherman who is feared to have been eaten by one of the reptiles.
Andrew Heard, 69, walked near Hinchinbrook Island in northeastern Queensland on Thursday afternoon, but never returned, the Independent reported.
Heard’s wife, Erica, alerted police, who found her boat capsized in Gayundah Creek, between Cairns and Townsville, at 2:30 a.m. Friday, according to media reports, which said human remains were found nearby.
Members of the Department of Environment and Science later caught two crocodiles near the boat’s location as part of the probe and euthanized them on Saturday.
One of the crocans – which is 14 meters long – contained human remains.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time, after confirmation from [Queensland police] that the crocodile captured yesterday is believed to be the animal involved in the disappearance of a man “, DES said in a tweet.
Police would only confirm that human remains were found in one of the crocodiles.
“It simply came to our notice then. It’s very important that people are always aware of their circumstances, “said Queensland Police Inspector Andrew Cowie. “Anywhere in the north … if you’re in the bush, you’ll have snakes, and if you’re on the water, you’ll have crocodiles.
“Always make sure you tell people where you’re going, always make sure you have the right safety equipment, always make sure you can get that safety equipment if you need it, in a hurry,” he added.
Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk called the incident “an absolute tragedy” and “absolutely horrible,” according to Sky News.
The Cairns cruise yacht squadron, of which Heard was a “beloved” member for life, posted a photo with him on Facebook, calling him a “legendary” person.
“Our hearts are broken for you and the loss of the love of your life and your best partner,” the group said in condolences to his wife. “He died doing what he loves best.”