Human remains have been found inside a crocodile in Australia – while authorities search for a missing fisherman, they fear it was eaten by one of the reptiles.
Andrew Heard, 69, went fishing 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 overturned at Gayundah Creek, between Cairns and Townsville, at 2:30 am on Friday, according to the news agency, which said human remains had been 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 killed them on Saturday.
One of the crocodiles – measuring 4 meters in length – contained human remains.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time after confirmation of [Queensland police] that the crocodile captured yesterday is considered the animal involved in the disappearance of a man, ”said DES in a tweet.
The police only confirmed that human remains were found in one of the crocodiles.
“This is a tragic incident. It is very important that people are always aware of their circumstances, ”said acting Queensland police inspector Andrew Cowie. “Anywhere in the north … if you are in the bush, you have snakes, and if you are in the water, you 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 to that safety equipment if you need to, in a hurry,” he added.
Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk called the incident “an absolute tragedy” and “absolutely horrible”, according to Sky News.
Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, of which Heard was a lifelong “loved” member, posted a photo of him on Facebook, calling him a “complete legendary” person.
“Our hearts are broken for you and for the loss of the love of your life and your best friend,” the group said in condolences to the wife. “He died doing what he loves most.”