Remains of a little girl found

Police believe they have discovered the “gruesome” remains of a 12-year-old girl who died in the Northern Territory’s first fatal crocodile attack in six years.

The young girl was last seen swimming in Mango Creek in the remote township of Nganmarriyanga, 360 km southwest of Darwin, around 5.30pm on Tuesday.

Northern Territory Police Sergeant Erica Gibson confirmed on Thursday that the 12-year-old’s remains had been recovered after a 36-hour search.

“This morning, after an intensive search overnight, the remains of the missing child were found in the riverbed,” she said at a press conference.

“It was particularly cruel and had a sad, devastating outcome. It was extremely difficult for the first responders involved in the search.

“As horrific as the outcome is, the people involved made incredible efforts. I want to commend the actions of everyone involved.

“They were diligent and worked tirelessly. However, for the family, this is the worst outcome they have ever experienced.”

“They are completely shocked and stunned. This is not the outcome we had hoped for, but at least the family has some closure.”

Sergeant Gibson said it was a “stark reminder” of the dangers of the Northern Territory’s waterways.

“There is always a potential for crocodiles in the Northern Territory waterways and you need to exercise caution and be aware of crocodiles for your own safety,” she said.

The community has not been rocked by a crocodile attack since 2018, when a Yirralka ranger was killed in Gangan township.

Almost a decade earlier, in 2009, an 11-year-old girl was reportedly attacked by a crocodile in rural Darwin. Her remains were found after a 12-hour search.

The Northern Territory Police, along with the search and rescue team, will continue to work with local rangers to monitor crocodile traps along the waterways.

Sergeant Gibson had previously stated that there was evidence that crocodiles had been in the area.

“Since sunset yesterday, no crocodiles have been sighted or discovered in the immediate area where crocodiles were being searched – there were no sightings overnight,” she said.

Police Minister Brent Potter confirmed on Wednesday that search efforts had shifted to a recovery mission after a search lasting more than 18 hours.

“They do an excellent job. The officers are also divers and will go into crocodile-infested waters when necessary,” Potter said.

Nganmarriyanga, formerly known as Palumpa, is a remote Aboriginal community in the Daly River region of the Northern Territory.

It is located approximately 360 km south-west of Darwin between the townships of Peppimenarti and Wadeye.

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