Following allegations that a 12-year-old child was attacked and abducted by a crocodile while swimming in a creek, Australian police have begun searching for the missing child in the vicinity of a remote community.
Approximately 400 people live in the remote community of Palumpa, which is about seven hours’ drive southwest of Darwin. According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Northern Territory Police, Fire & Emergency services, the incident happened on Tuesday evening at roughly 5:30 p.m. local time.
“Around 5:30pm last night, police received reports of a missing 12-year-old child who was last seen swimming at Mango Creek,” authorities stated. “Initial reports stated the child had been attacked by a crocodile. Community members and Peppimenarti Police attended the scene and began searching for the child, who has yet to be located.”
Authorities said the boy is still missing despite a search and rescue team being sent into the area right away with Wadeye police assistance.
“Local officers are on scene and our thoughts are with the family and the community,” Senior Sgt. Erica Gibson stated. “Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat and we thank the community for their ongoing assistance.”
According to Australia’s Northern Territory tourism website, the Northern Territory is home to more than 100,000 wild crocodiles, making it the world’s greatest population of these predators.
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Despite the fact that crocodiles can reach lengths of up to 20 feet and weights of up to one ton (2,000 pounds), attacks on humans are extremely uncommon, and officials advise people to avoid them.
