JAKARTA - A 51-year-old sailor was killed in a crocodile attack while swimming in Palu Bay, Central Sulawesi, on Thursday morning, officials said.
According to witnesses, the man was swimming near Talise Beach in the Kampung Nelayan area when he was suddenly dragged underwater by a crocodile at around 7.15am local time.
A joint search and rescue team, consisting of National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), local police, and residents, was quickly dispatched to the scene, arriving approximately 45 minutes later.
Palu Search and Rescue Office head, Muhammad Rizal, said the team deployed a thermal drone at 8.20am to track the movements of both the victim and the crocodile.
"We located the victim ten minutes later, still in the crocodile’s grip, and made the decision to shoot the crocodile in order to free him,” he stated in a statement.
However, when rescuers found the man at 10.20am, around 40 metres from the shore, he was already dead.
His body was subsequently transported to the Bhayangkara Police Hospital for further examination.
Crocodile attacks in the region have been on the rise in recent years, raising concerns among local residents and authorities about the safety of swimmers and fishermen in Palu Bay.
The latest attack underscores the risks posed by the predators, which are believed to inhabit the waters of the bay.
In response, authorities are assessing the situation and considering additional measures to prevent further attacks in the region, Muhammad added. - BERNAMA