- Man missing from fishing - Crocodile attack feared
In Australia, a major search operation is underway after a suspected crocodile attack on a 40-year-old man. The missing man was reportedly attacked by the reptile while fishing, according to local media reports. Rescue teams have been deployed since Saturday in the north of the tropical state of Queensland to search for the 40-year-old, police said. "Initial investigations suggest that the man was fishing by the riverbank when he fell into the water and did not resurface," police said in a statement.
Reports indicate that the man was with his wife and children at the banks of the popular fishing river Annan. The family from the neighboring state of New South Wales was traveling in a caravan. "My condolences go out to the family, who are clearly traumatized at this time," 7News quoted investigator Greg Finucane.
A large crocodile has been sighted in the area. Australian media fears that the man is dead. Authorities are also using drones in the search and aiming to capture the animal.
Just last July, a fatal crocodile attack on a 12-year-old girl occurred in Australia. Rangers later killed a 4.2-meter-long reptile in the Northern Territory. The girl was swimming near the Aboriginal community of Nganmarriyanga before she disappeared. Later, remains of the girl were discovered. On average, there are two fatal crocodile attacks per year in Australia.
The missing man was reportedly fishing near the Annan River when the incident occurred. Despite the ongoing search, Australian media express concerns that the man might have been the victim of a crocodile attack.
