Indian national found dead in Sungai Kuala Tutoh with crocodile biting his arm, two-day search operation ends with body recovered for post-mortem.
MIRI: An Indian national reported missing in crocodile-infested Sungai Kuala Tutoh has been found dead with a crocodile biting his arm.
The 21-year-old victim, identified as Prashant, was discovered in a decomposed state approximately one kilometre from where he was last seen.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department operations centre confirmed the crew member was found at 9.30 am Thursday following a two-day search operation.
“A crocodile was seen biting the victim’s left arm when the search team found him,” said a department spokesman.
“The victim’s entire left hand was missing and is likely to have been devoured by the reptile.”
Authorities have not determined whether the death resulted from a crocodile attack or other causes.
The body was handed to police for further investigation and transported to hospital for post-mortem examination.
The search operation involved personnel from Marudi Fire and Rescue Station using a Triton outboard engine and aluminium boat.
Police and Malaysian Civil Defence Force personnel also assisted in the recovery effort.
The operation concluded at 11 am Thursday after locating the victim’s remains.
Prashant was reportedly bathing in the river Wednesday before attempting to swim back to his anchored ship when he disappeared.
Marudi police headquarters had alerted fire and rescue services about the missing foreign national. – Bernama
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