Update: Saibai Island crocodile incident

Issued: 22 Apr 2024

Wildlife officers have euthanised a large crocodile that is believed to be responsible for a fatal attack on a 16-year-old teenage boy off Saibai Island last week.

A four-metre crocodile was located during night spotlight searches on 19 April 2024 near where the teenage boy was killed.

The animal displayed parading behaviour such as raising its head as it swam, which is consistent with it being the target animal.

The crocodile was humanely euthanised early on 20 April 2024 and disposed of at sea, in keeping with the wishes of the Saibai Island community. Community members expressed their appreciation for the rapid response to the incident.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation expresses its sincere condolences to the friends, family and community on Saibai Island.