Human remains have been found in a crocodile in Australia – as authorities hunted for a missing fisherman who they fear was eaten by one of the reptiles.
Andrew Heard, 69, went fishing near Hinchinbrook Island in northeast Queensland on Thursday afternoon, but never returned, the Independent reported.
Heard’s wife, Erica, warned police, who found his capsized boat Friday in Gayundah Creek, between Cairns and Townsville, according to the news outlet, which said human remains have been found nearby.
Members of the Department of Environment and Science later caught two crocodiles near the boat’s location as part of the probe and euthanized them on Saturday.
One of the crocodiles – 15 feet long – contained human remains.
“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time after confirming [Queensland police] that the crocodile caught yesterday is the animal involved in the disappearance of a man, ”the DES said in a tweet.
The police would only confirm that human remains had been found in one of the crocodiles.
‘This is a tragic incident. It is very important that people are always aware of their circumstances, ”said Queensland Acting Police Inspector Andrew Cowie. ‘All over the north … when you’re in the bush you have snakes and when you’re on the water you have crocodiles.
“Always make sure to tell people where you are going, always make sure you have the right safety equipment, always make sure you can get to that safety equipment quickly if you need to,” he added.
Queensland Prime Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk called the incident “an absolute tragedy” and “absolutely horrific,” Sky News said.
The Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, of which Heard was a “beloved” lifelong member, posted a photo of him on Facebook, calling him an “all-round legendary” person.
“Our hearts are broken for you and the loss of the love of your life and best partner,” the group said in condolences to his wife. “He died doing what he loves most.”