North Queensland fatal crocodile attack: Father’s remains found in crocodile following family caravan trip attack

A whopper crocodile measuring 4.9m has been killed following a horror attack on a fisherman in Far North Queensland on Saturday. Photo / 123RF

Police believe they have found the remains of a 40-year-old NSW man who was taken by a crocodile on Saturday afternoon.

The man was fishing with his wife and children on a riverbank at the Annan River near Cooktown in Far North Queensland, when he fell into the river.

Police have confirmed the family were on a caravan trip when they stopped by the site on Saturday afternoon.

Authorities feared the father was taken by the animal, with reports of a large crocodile reported in the area at the time of the attack.

On Monday police confirmed they had tracked and euthanised a 4.9m crocodile, which was found in a small creek about 4km from where the man disappeared.

By Tuesday morning, Queensland police confirmed human remains had been found within the animal, and are believed to belong to the missing man.

Authorities will now continue formal identification processes to determine a positive identity, however, the search and rescue operation has been suspended.

“Police are working with wildlife officers as investigations continue,” a statement from Queensland Police read.

Speaking at a briefing on Monday, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation senior conversation officer Daniel Guymer criticised reported actions of people throwing roadkill into the river which were then eaten by the crocodiles.

He said the behaviour was “risky and reckless”.

“So any information and evidence in relation to alleged illegal activities, such as the unlawful feeding of a crocodile at that location, they will be investigated by our wildlife officers.”