Report: 12-year-old child missing after being attacked and abducted by a crocodile

LONDON – Australian police have begun searching for a missing 12-year-old child near a remote community after reports emerged that the child was attacked and abducted by a crocodile while swimming in a stream.

The incident occurred around 5.30pm local time on Tuesday evening in the remote community of Palumpa in Australia’s Northern Territory – about a seven-hour drive southwest of Darwin with a population of about 400 – the Northern Territory police, fire and emergency services said in a statement released on Wednesday.

“Last night around 5:30 p.m., police received reports of a missing 12-year-old child who was last seen swimming in Mango Creek,” authorities said. “Initial reports indicated that the child was attacked by a crocodile. Community members and Peppimenarti police attended the scene and began searching for the child, who has not yet been found.”

A search and rescue team was immediately dispatched to the area, assisted by officials from Wadeye, but authorities say the child has still not been located.

“Local officers are on scene and our thoughts are with the family and the community,” said Staff Sergeant Erica Gibson. “Officers are currently searching a large portion of the creek by boat and we thank the community for their continued support.”

The Northern Territory is home to the world’s largest population of wild crocodiles. According to Australia’s Northern Territory tourism website, there are over 100,000 of these predators living in the wild.

“If you’ve ever wanted to see a crocodile in the wild, the NT is the best place in the world to do it,” the site says.

Although the crocodiles can grow up to six meters long and weigh a ton, attacks on humans are very rare. Nevertheless, authorities warn people to avoid them.

“They like fish but will eat pretty much anything, including cows and buffalo, wild boar, turtles, birds and crabs,” the Northern Territory tourism website states. “During your stay, do not attempt to feed wild crocodiles and do not swim in waterways, camp, fish or walk in areas where crocodile warning signs are posted. The best way to avoid injury is to avoid crocodiles in the wild altogether.”