A male tourist, 40, has been killed by a saltwater crocodile following an attack in the Annan River, about seven kilometres south of Cooktown, on 3 August. Photo: Supplied.
A 40-year-old New South Wales man has been killed by a saltwater crocodile after he fell into the Annan River near Cooktown on Saturday afternoon.
The Cape York Weekly understands the tourist, who was travelling with his family and another group, slipped down the steep bank of the river at Crocodile Bend, approximately seven kilometres south of Cooktown, at about 2pm on 3 August while fishing.
The crocodile attacked the man in front of his family, including children, as he attempted to get out of the water.
While the Queensland Police Service is yet to officially confirm the man’s death, a police source said the search and rescue effort currently under way was to “retrieve a body”.
“At about 2pm this afternoon (Saturday), a tourist in his 40s fell into the Annan River while fishing with a group at Crocodile Bend near Cooktown,” the source told Cape York Weekly.
“We understand he was trying to get back up the bank when a large saltwater crocodile attacked him in front of his fishing companions, who tragically included his children.
“A search and rescue operation has commenced, but it appears as though the attack was fatal.”
A crocodile “between four and five metres” is believed to be responsible for the attack.
“Search and rescue mission” to continue
On 4 August, Cooktown officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Greg Finucane told a press conference a comprehensive search for the man involving police, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation staff, and SES volunteers was continuing.
“A search and rescue mission … was commenced [on 3 August] and has been ongoing overnight and today utilising drones and watercraft,” he said.
“So far, the man has not been located and the search will continue.
“We’ve been patrolling the riverbank; there is quite a large area, approximately five kilometres of waterway, it is tidal; it’s affected by currents, also affected by weather, and the natural common movement and habitat of crocodiles has to be taken into account.”
Mayor asks for family’s privacy to be respected
Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes offered the council’s condolences to the family of the man and urged the media and community to respect their privacy over the coming days.
“This afternoon’s crocodile attack has ended in tragic circumstances for family visiting Cooktown,” she said.
“Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, however, I believe this may be the result of an unfortunate accident.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, and I ask that privacy and respect be extended to the family and friends during this difficult time as they navigate the days ahead.”
Police have not confirmed where in NSW the man and family are from.
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