10-Year-Old Child In East Kutai Found Dead After Being Attacked By Crocodile

Illustration of crocodile/ Animalium

The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team managed to find a 10-year-old boy named Fiki, in a state of death after being attacked by a crocodile in Sangatta River, Kampung Kajang, South Sangatta District, East Kutai, East Kalimantan.

Sangatta SAR Post Coordinator, Aurelius Godja, revealed that the victim was found on Sunday (27/4) about 200 meters from the initial location of the incident. The evacuation process was carried out using a rubber boat before the victim's body was handed over to the family at the funeral home, according to the family's request.

"After conducting an intensive search, the joint SAR team today managed to find the victim in a dead condition. We share our condolences to the families of the victims," said Aurelius.

Search operations face tough challenges, ranging from potential crocodile threats in the area to changing weather, such as hot, cloudy, and rainy heat. However, thanks to the hard work and synergy of all SAR elements, the victim was found.

With the discovery of the victim, the search operation officially closed on Sunday afternoon, and all personnel were returned to their respective units to return to alert.

In this operation, various elements were involved, including the Sangatta SAR Post Team, Polairud Polda Kaltim, East Kutai Police, East Kutai BPBD, Sangatta PMK, Tagana, Saka SAR, LKK, Sangatta volunteers, and local residents.

This tragic incident began on Saturday (26/4) at around 16.20 WITA, when the victim swam with six of his friends in the Sangatta River. According to eyewitnesses, the victim tried to save himself by holding on to a bamboo stick, before being pulled into the water by a crocodile.

Reports of the disappearance of victims received by the Sangatta SAR Post on Sunday morning at around 06.40 WITA. The rescue team immediately moved to the location and started the search at around 07.00 WITA.

"We also thank all SAR personnel, volunteers, and the community who have contributed to this operation. Hopefully this incident will serve as a reminder for all of us to be more vigilant when doing activities in rivers and their surroundings," Aurelius concluded.