12-Year-Old Girl's Life Lost to Suspected Crocodile Attack in Northern Territory

A tragic incident in Nganmarriyanga, Northern Territory, where a 12-year-old girl was believed to have been attacked by a crocodile while swimming at Mango Creek, raises concerns about the risks posed by the large crocodile population in the region.

Suspected Crocodile Attack Claims Life of 12-Year-Old Girl in Northern Territory

Northern Territory police have recovered the remains of a 12-year-old girl who went missing following a suspected crocodile attack in the remote community of Nganmarriyanga, approximately 360 km southwest of Darwin. The girl was last seen swimming at Mango Creek at around 5:30 PM on July 2.

A 36-hour search concluded with the recovery of the gruesome remains early on the morning of July 4. Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson confirmed the grim discovery during a press conference, stating that first responders faced significant challenges during the operation. The community has not experienced a fatal crocodile attack since 2018.

The large presence of crocodiles in Northern Territory waterways, estimated at over 100,000, adds to the inherent risks in the region. Police had evidence of crocodiles in the vicinity but did not sight any during the immediate search efforts.

Authorities, including local rangers, continue to monitor the area, and the search-and-recovery operations have shifted to monitoring crocodile traps.

Nganmarriyanga, also known as Palumpa, houses a small Aboriginal community and is located in the Daly River region.