A tragic incident occurred when a one-year-old boy lost his life due to a crocodile attack. The boy, from Malaysia, was reportedly in a canoe with his father who was fishing off the coast of Lahad Datu in Sabah on a Thursday morning, June 19, when the unfortunate event took place.
The father made a desperate attempt to rescue his son from the jaws of the crocodile but, unfortunately, he was unsuccessful. During the struggle, he sustained injuries and needed assistance from local villagers to get out of the water.
Sumsoa Rashid, who leads the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Agency, stated: “The father suffered serious head and body injuries. His son is still missing and search operations are ongoing. The man has been taken to the Lahad Datu Hospital for medical treatment.”
Sumsoa further mentioned: “Many residents there rely on the river for their food and livelihood so they need to go into the water.
“We have warned them of the extra dangers at the moment and to be especially careful because the crocodile is likely to be still in the area.”
The Royal Malaysian Police are actively searching for the body of the young boy.
Although crocodile attacks are infrequent, they can have fatal outcomes. In 2022, a crocodile was shot by Australian authorities after attacking a woman. The 38-year-old victim was believed to be swimming at Butler Cove, Lake Argyle, when the croc attacked.
The authorities deemed the crocodile a ‘problem animal’, leading to its destruction.
The Department of Biodiversity and Conservation said at the time: “Both the behaviour of a crocodile approaching the boat and the events of the previous day is consistent with what staff would identify as a problem animal.
“In order to ensure public safety in the popular recreation and swimming area and with consideration to large community events such as the annual Lake Argyle swim taking place this weekend, staff destroyed the animal.”
More recently, a tourist in the Philippines faced a crocodile attack at Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands zoo after climbing over a fence, mistaking the crocodile for a statue. Thankfully, he survived the encounter.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.