Human remains have been found inside a crocodile in Australia; while the authorities hunt a missing fisherman, they fear that one of the reptiles will eat them.
Andrew Heard, 69, went fishing near Hinchinbrook Island in northeast Queensland on Thursday afternoon, but never returned, the Independent reported.
Heard’s wife, Erica, alerted police, who found her boat capsized in Gayundah Creek, between Cairns and Townsville, at 2:30 a.m. Friday, according to the media, which said it was they found human remains nearby.
Later, members of the Department of Environment and Science captured two crocodiles near the ship’s location as part of the probe and euthanized them on Saturday.
One of the hooks, 14 feet long, contained human remains.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time after the confirmation of [Queensland police] that the crocodile captured yesterday is believed to be the animal involved in the disappearance of a man, ”the DES said in a tweet.
Police would only confirm that human remains had been found in one of the crocodiles.
“This is a tragic incident. It’s very important that people are always aware of their circumstances, “said Andrew Cowie, a Queensland police inspector. “Anywhere in the north … if you are in the bush, you have snakes and if you are in the water, you have crocodiles.
“Always make sure you tell people where you’re going, always make sure you have the right security equipment, always make sure you can reach that security team if you need it quickly,” he added.
According to Sky News, Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk called the incident an “absolute tragedy” and “absolutely horrible”.
The Cairns cruising yacht squadron, of which Heard was a “beloved” member for life, posted a photo of himself on Facebook, calling him a “legendary” person.
“Our heart is broken for you and the loss of the love of your life and of the best partner,” the group said in condolences to his wife. “He died doing what he loves best.”