Fears of crocodile attack after man vanishes
A 42-year-old man who has been missing for eight days may have been snatched by a crocodile.
Anthony Vanharen was last seen on April 30 on his boat at Winning Point near Weipa, in Far North Queensland, but his boat was found washed ashore and unattended two days later.
Weipa Police Acting Inspector Kevin Goan told The Cairns Post new information suggested Mr Vanharen was attempting to move his boat after it became stuck during low tide in an area well known for crocodiles.
National Parks and Wildlife officers assisted police on Thursday using drones with night-vision technology to survey the area, the publication reported.
"There are a number of crocodiles identified within the area so it's up to the experts to suggest possible courses of action by those animals at the time," Insp Goan said.
He said it was unlikely Mr Vanharen would have become lost on land as the area between the shoreline and road was “too well defined”.
“The survivability for a lost person is high because you would be able to find your way out,” he said.
Police said Mr Vanharen was known to live on his boat and had regular contact with his family. He last called them on April 29.
Anthony is described as Caucasian, about 180 centimetres tall with a thin to proportionate build, and long shoulder-length, brown hair he sometimes wore in a ponytail.
Police will continue the search over the weekend.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online.
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