Urgent search for missing child, 12, seen being attacked by a crocodile

An urgent search is underway for a missing 12-year-old who was reportedly attacked by a crocodile. The child was last seen on Tuesday night while swimming in the remote town of Nganmarriyanga, located about seven hours from Darwin.

Police were notified, and specialist teams were sent to the area after “initial reports indicated the child had been attacked by a crocodile.”

“Local officers are on the scene, and our thoughts are with the family and community,” said Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson. Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek by boat, and we appreciate the community’s continued assistance.

Residents of Nganmarriyanga, a small community of just 364 people, alongside local law enforcement, initiated the search for the missing child after they vanished in Mango Creek. The search effort has intensified, with additional officers and expert search and rescue teams combing both land and water in a bid to locate the child.

NT Police Minister Brent Potter acknowledged on Wednesday afternoon that the operation had unfortunately transitioned into the “recovery phase.” He emphasized the profound tragedy of the situation, particularly given the circumstances of a young child being taken by a crocodile. Minister Potter remarked, “It’s a tragic incident for any parent or family member to lose a young child, and especially in circumstances like that, taken by a crocodile.”

The Northern Territory, a region with more than 100,000 crocodiles and spanning over six times the size of the UK, is known for its significant crocodile population. While crocodile attacks on humans are infrequent, when they do occur, the offending animal is typically captured and euthanized to prevent further incidents.

Wildlife officers have been authorized to “remove” the crocodile responsible once it is located. Minister Potter underscored the importance of awareness and caution in such regions, stating, “We live in a place where crocodiles occupy our water places… it’s just a reminder to stay out of the water as best we can.” This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife in certain areas, highlighting the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.

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