Tragedy in Australia - Missing child recovered dead after crocodile attack
A missing child in a remote area of Northern Australia has been found dead. According to police reports, the 12-year-old girl was believed to be the victim of a crocodile attack. Search and rescue teams discovered her human remains in the watering hole where she was last seen on Tuesday, as confirmed by Police spokesperson Erica Gibson to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). "The recovery has been successful," she said. The discovery was "extremely gruesome, sad, and devastating."
The girl was on vacation with her family in the area near the Aborigine community of Nganmarriyanga, about 360 kilometers southwest of Darwin. They had been swimming in Mango Creek with several family members when she suddenly disappeared. A crocodile was reportedly sighted in the vicinity shortly after. An extensive search operation for the missing person ensued.
According to Gibson, the recovered remains suggest a crocodile attack. "It was extremely challenging for the rescue teams involved," she said. The family is "in a state of extreme shock and disbelief." This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder that there are always crocodiles in the waters of the Northern Territory.
Hours before the discovery, authorities had found a T-shirt of the girl. The clothing item was found upstream from the spot where the child was last seen. Search and rescue teams were using boats and a helicopter in their efforts. However, Police Minister Brent Potter had already stated on Wednesday that it was unlikely the girl could be found alive.
Salties and Freshies
According to government records, there are over 100,000 saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory - more than in any other Australian state. These up to six-meter-long creatures, also known as "Salties," are considered extremely aggressive. In this region, there are also freshwater crocodiles ("Freshies"), which are less dangerous.
On average, there are two fatal crocodile attacks per year in the country. In the region, members of an Aborigine community had shot and communally consumed a problematic crocodile that had previously approached both animals and humans.
- The tragic news of the crocodile attack in the Northern Territory of Australia has gained international attention, with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) reporting on the event.
- This tragedy underscores the danger posed by animals in emergency situations, as the 12-year-old girl's death highlights the existence of dangerous crocodiles in the watering holes of the region.
- The discovery of the girl's remains in the Northern Territory serves as a grim reminder of the high number of saltwater crocodiles, or "Salties," in the area, with government records showing over 100,000 of these aggressive creatures residing in the region.
