Police have found the body of a crocodile victim identified as Sean Cole near Mary River where he was last sighted.
Police have recovered the body of a 26-year-old crocodile victim from near the Mary River after he was attacked by a 6-foot saltwater crocodile, Saturday. According to Search and Rescue co-ordinator, Senior Constable Wade Rodgers of the Water Police Section, police found the body of Sean Cole, 26, at around 5.30 a.m. near the place where he was sighted last.
The horrifying incident occurred when the victim and another man were returning to their group after crossing the Mary River. A huge 6 foot saltwater crocodile grabbed Cole in a fraction of a second in the presence of 15 horrified members of his group. The group was celebrating a friend's thirtieth birthday at the Mary River Wilderness Retreat, which is a famous tourist destination in Australia.
"Several of the group in the party witnessed the male being taken in the jaws of the croc for a period of time, and then he was out of sight," Senior Sergeant Geoff Bahnert told Associated Press.
Members from Water Police, TRG, Crocodile Management Team (Parks and Wildlife) and the Northern Territory Emergency Service worked together to find the body of Cole. During the search operation, an officer even shot one of the largest crocodiles, which is believed to be the killer.
"Police would like to thank members of the public, and in particular staff from the Mary River Wilderness Retreat for their assistance during the search. Our thoughts are with the family during this very difficult time," a Search and Rescue co-ordinator said in a statement to NT News.
The Mary River is known to have the highest number of saltwater crocodiles in the world. Cautionary signs are everywhere in the camping area warning visitors to stay away from the waters. The crocodile population has increased since a federal law was passed to protect the species in 1971. Several incidents have been recorded where people have been attacked and killed by crocodiles across the Mary River.