In a tragic incident, a 12-year-old girl was reportedly taken by a crocodile while swimming in a creek in Australia. The girl’s remains were found after an extensive search operation that lasted nearly two days. The search involved multiple agencies and was conducted by land, air, and water.
The girl had gone missing from a river near the Indigenous community of Palumpa, located southwest of the Northern Territory capital, Darwin. The discovery of her remains confirmed the worst fears of the authorities. The injuries on the girl’s body were consistent with a crocodile attack, confirming the cause of her tragic demise.
Senior Sgt. Erica Gibson, who was part of the search operation, described the recovery as “particularly gruesome” and a “sad, devastating outcome.” She added that the family of the girl was in a state of extreme shock and disbelief, grappling with the most devastating outcome possible.
Saltwater crocodiles, known for their territorial nature, are a common risk in the Northern Territory. The reptile responsible for the attack may still be lurking in nearby waterways. Northern Australia’s tropical climate has contributed to a surge in the saltwater crocodile population since the 1970s when conservation efforts under Australian law began.
The population of large crocodiles in Northern Australia has been on the rise, with some reptiles growing up to 23 feet long. These animals continue to grow throughout their lives and can live up to around 70 years of age.
The search for the crocodile responsible for the attack is still ongoing, according to Sgt. Gibson. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the wildlife in the region.