A 16-year-old Australian boy died tragically near Saibai Island, Torres Strait, in what is suspected to be the result of a crocodile attack.
The teenager’s body, with severe injuries, was found on Thursday afternoon, April 18, after an extensive search and rescue operation that started early that morning, according to police reports.
The fatal incident happened when the boat the victim and his 13-year-old cousin were on broke down. They found themselves stranded in the water about a third of a mile from the shore and tried to swim back. The younger boy managed to reach the shore safely and informed the authorities, while the older boy disappeared in the waist-deep water.
Responding to the emergency, local police and the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation deployed air and water patrols in an attempt to locate the suspected predator, an approximately 11.5-foot-long saltwater crocodile. The search ended with the disturbing finding of the teenager’s body in a mangrove area later that day.
“This has been a deeply distressing incident,” stated Senior Sergeant Greg Giles. He confirmed the injuries on the teenager’s body were consistent with a severe crocodile attack and underscored the threats large crocodiles pose to communities living near their habitats.
In response to the incident, the local community has demanded the removal of the crocodile, believed to be the one responsible for the fatal attack. Wildlife officers have started extensive surveys in the area’s waters to address the residents’ concerns and ensure public safety.
A representative for the local government declared they were taking prompt action to locate and possibly capture the crocodile. “Ensuring the safety of our community members is our highest priority, especially following such a significant and sorrowful event,” they expressed.
The names of the boys involved in the incident have been withheld out of respect for the family’s wish for privacy as they grieve. Officials have started formally identifying the deceased and further testing to definitively establish the cause of death.
The incident has sparked a heightened awareness of the risks associated with local wildlife, leading to discussions about improving safety measures for residents and visitors of the Torres Strait Islands.
