Human remains have been found in a crocodile in Australia – while authorities are searching for a missing fisherman, they are afraid of 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 his capsized boat in Gayundah Creek between Cairns and Townsville, at 2:30 a.m. Friday, according to the news office, which said human remains were found nearby.
Members of the Department of Environment and Science later caught two crocodiles near the location of the boat as part of the investigation and briefed them on Monday.
One of the crutches – which was 14 meters long – contains human remains.
‘We think of the family in this difficult time after confirmation of [Queensland police] that the crocodile that was caught yesterday is believed to be the animal involved in the disappearance of a man, ‘the DES said in a tweet.
Police would only confirm that human remains were found in one of the crocodiles.
‘It’s a tragic incident. It is very important that people are always aware of their circumstances, “said Andrew Cowie, acting inspector of Queensland Police. ‘Everywhere in the north … if you’re in the woods, you have snakes, and if you’re on the water, you have crocodiles.
“Always make sure you tell people where you are going, always make sure you have appropriate safety equipment, and make sure you can always get to that safety equipment, you need to hurry,” he added.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called the incident “an absolute tragedy” and “absolutely appalling”, according to Sky News.
The Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, of which Heard was a ‘beloved’ lifelong member, posted a photo of him on Facebook, calling him an ‘everyday’ legendary person.
“Our hearts are broken for you and the loss of love in your life and best friend,” the group said of its sympathy with his wife. “He died to do what he loves best.”