A 12-year-old child is feared to have been attacked by a crocodile while swimming in Mango Creek near Palumpa, prompting a search operation in the Northern Territory, Australia. Authorities and community members are engaged in search efforts amidst the region’s known crocodile population.
Child Missing After Suspected Crocodile Attack in Northern Territory
A search operation is underway in the Northern Territory, Australia, for a 12-year-old child feared to have been attacked by a crocodile. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM local time on Tuesday near Palumpa, a remote community situated approximately 350 kilometers southwest of Darwin.
According to initial reports, the child was swimming in Mango Creek when the attack took place. Authorities have deployed a specialist search and rescue team to the area, while local police and community members began their search immediately after the child was reported missing.
Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson confirmed that officers are conducting a thorough search of the creek via boat, with aerial searches also being considered. The Northern Territory is known for having over 100,000 saltwater crocodiles, though such attacks are infrequent.
Palumpa, a small town of 364 residents, has rallied together to assist in the search efforts. No further details about the child’s condition or identity have been released.
