A search and rescue operation is ongoing for a 40-year-old man in Cooktown, following a suspected crocodile attack.
Emergency services were called to the Annan River Bridge at around 2.10pm on Saturday, following reports a 40-year-old New South Wales man had been taken by a crocodile.
Initial investigations indicate the man had been fishing on the riverbank, when he fell into the water and failed to resurface.
Specialist units from Cairns have been called in to help with the search operation, as it enters its third day.
Senior Sergeant Greg Finucane says the area is known crocodile habitat.
‘A crocodile was seen in the vicinity, a search and rescue mission involving Department of Environment recourses, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Parks and Wildlife, SES and local wildlife rangers was commenced.
‘We’ve been patrolling the river bank, there is quite a large area, approximately five kilometres of waterway.
‘It is tidal, its affected by currents, also affected by weather and the natural common movement and habitat of crocodiles has to be taken into account.’
He says crocodile sightings are common in this area, however crocodile attacks are infrequent.
It’s understood the man was a visitor to Cooktown and had been travelling and in a caravan with his family.
