Crocodile attack claims life of 16-year-old boy after boat failure

A tragic incident unfolded in Australia as a 16-year-old boy lost his life due to a fatal encounter with a large crocodile in the Torres Strait, as reported by authorities. The unfortunate event took place near Saibai Island, a remote island with a population of approximately 500 individuals, according to Fox News.

Situated in close proximity to Papua New Guinea, Saibai Island falls under the jurisdiction of the Australian state of Queensland, located about 560 miles north of Cairns. The victim, who was swimming alongside a 13-year-old boy, met his untimely demise during this harrowing incident.

The two boys found themselves in a precarious situation when the engine of their dinghy malfunctioned, prompting them to make the decision to swim to shore.

Tragically, the older boy disappeared after entering waist-deep water, leaving his companion in a state of shock and disbelief.

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Queensland Police’s Far North District Senior Sergeant Greg Giles shared with the media that the victim’s body was discovered in the mangroves, and efforts are underway to formally identify the deceased in collaboration with the coroner.

The 13-year-old boy, who was in close proximity to the victim at the time of the incident, was deeply affected by the tragic turn of events.

An officer from Queensland Police specializing in wildlife confirmed that the injuries sustained by the victim were consistent with a crocodile attack, estimating the reptile responsible to be approximately four yards in length.

The local community has urged authorities to locate and remove the crocodile involved in the fatal attack, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent further harm.