Australian police have discovered what they believe to be the remains of a 12-year-old child who was reportedly attacked by a crocodile while swimming in a creek in the Northern Territory. The tragic incident occurred in Palumpa, also known as Nganmarriyanga, a remote town with a population of around 350 people, located seven hours by road from Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory.
The child was reported missing on Tuesday evening, prompting a search and rescue operation with community assistance. Police conducted an extensive search of the creek by boat in an effort to locate the missing child. The search team was even authorized to remove the crocodile from the area, as stated by Northern Territory police minister Brent Potter.
Despite ongoing efforts to capture the crocodile responsible for the attack, the search team has not yet been successful. The Northern Territory is home to over 100,000 crocodiles, some of which can grow up to six meters (20 feet) in length. Fatal attacks by crocodiles are relatively rare in the region.
Palumpa has experienced similar incidents in the past. In 2017, a 54-year-old individual sustained injuries to his chest and arm after being attacked by a 2-meter-long (6.6-foot) crocodile. Additionally, four years prior, a saltwater crocodile that was obstructing children's path to school was shot dead.
Since crocodiles were granted protected status in Australia in the 1970s, their population has significantly increased in the northern regions. These reptiles can live up to 70 years old and continue to grow in size as they age, with some reaching lengths of six meters.
