Australian rescue authorities are searching for a former radio host who went missing on a fishing trip in crocodile-infested waters.
Roman Butchaski, known as ‘Butch’, failed to return to his camping ground on Sunday after a solo fishing trip in Queensland’s remote Cape York Peninsula, reported the BBC.
Some of his belongings have since been found near the Olive River, some 370 miles north of Cairns.
Mr Butchaski is an avid angler and a former host of Sydney radio station 2GB's fishing show.
His former co-host Gavin Pitchford told the radio station that his friend regularly visited the spot to fish.
“I'm devastated. Butchy walks the banks up there regularly. He's been fishing there forever," he said in a statement read out on air.
Mr Pitchford said he feared Mr Butchaski, who has diabetes, may have suffered a medical episode.
Police said the car Mr Butchaski had was found at the river, while local media reported fishing gear was discovered as well.
Sgt Duane Amos, of Queensland Police, told reporters the region is a well-known crocodile habitat, but added the former radio host was familiar with the area.
"He was well-prepared for a normal expedition that he has undertaken before," the policeman said on Monday.
On Tuesday, police said more officers would travel to the area to assist the search for Mr Butchaski.
Rescue helicopters and crews on the ground have been searching for the Sydney local since they were alerted on Sunday night.
Crocodile attacks in far north Queensland, while uncommon, are not unheard of.
The disappearance comes after another angler, 65-year-old man Kevin Darmody, was found dead in May after he went missing on the Kenney River at the Lakefield National Park in far north Queensland.
His remains were discovered in the stomachs of two crocodiles shot dead by rangers during the search and rescue operation.
