Search for remains of missing fisherman feared eaten alive in gruesome crocodile attack enters second day - after campers heard his desperate screams

The search for a man who authorities fear may have been taken by a crocodile has entered its second day.

The fisherman was camping at the Kennedy Bend on Kennedy River at Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park in remote Far North Queensland.

Police say the 65-year-old man lived in the rural town of Laura, about 75km from where he disappeared.

The man was fishing on the banks of the Kennedy River around 5.30pm on Friday when campers heard a scream and commotion from the direction of the river.

Emergency services were called to the campsite at about 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon following reports the man had gone missing.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES), who are assisting police say the man’s friend said the 65-year-old was ‘fishing on the banks of the Kennedy River when there were splashing noises and he disappeared’.

Queensland police said the search recommenced at first light on Sunday morning, with help from the State Emergency Service.

The man was fishing on the banks of the Kennedy River at Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park (pictured) when he disappeared. Campers reported hearing screams and commotion from the direction of the river

A Rescue 510 helicopter is also aiding the search and rescue operation, along with wildlife officers from the DES.

According to a government website detailing the campground, ‘large crocodiles are frequently’ seen in the area.

The Department says both estuarine and freshwater crocodiles can ‘inhabit the rivers, creeks swamps, wetlands, waterholes and along beaches’ of the national park.

The DES said it was important that all ‘crocodile sightings are reported in a timely manner,’ and said they investigated all crocodile sightings received.

This article by Jessica Wang was first published by The Daily Mail on 30 April 2023. Lead Image: Authorities have recommenced the search for a 65-year-old man who is believed to have been taken by a crocodile (stock image) while fishing in remote Far North Queensland.

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