Crocodile 'responsible for teen's death' euthanised by wildlife officers
Edward, known to many by his cultural name Baidham, and a 13-year-old boy attempted to swim ashore when their dinghy broke down off Saibai Island.
A large crocodile thought to be responsible for the fatal attack on a 16-year-old boy in Queensland’s far north last week has been euthanised by wildlife officers.
Edward, known to many by his cultural name Baidham, and a 13-year-old boy attempted to swim ashore when their dinghy broke down off Saibai Island, 900km north of Cairns, early on Thursday.
The boat was 500 metres from land when it had engine trouble and started taking on water in rough conditions. The boys had almost made it to shore and were in waist-deep water when Baidham suddenly vanished, police said.
The shaken 13-year-old raised the alarm about the suspected croc attack, sparking an extensive sea, land and air search. Baidham’s body was found 12 hours later.
Four-metre crocodile killed by wildlife officers
On Monday, authorities announced they had located a four-metre crocodile during night spotlight searches near where the teenage boy had been killed.
“The animal displayed parading behaviour such as raising its head as it swam, which is consistent with it being the target animal,” a spokesperson for Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) said.
“The crocodile was humanely euthanised early on [Saturday] and disposed of at sea, in keeping with the wishes of the Saibai Island community. Community members expressed their appreciation for the rapid response to the incident.”
The DESI also expressed its “sincere condolences to the friends, family and community on Saibai Island”.
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Teen victim's mum pays tribute to 'kind-hearted' son
Baidham’s mother, Kemana Kusu, has created a GoFundMe to help her family as they grieve their loved one.
The single mum of nine children, who lives in Cairns, described her son as a “very athletic person who participated in all events whether it was in school or his local footy club the Edmonton Storms”.
“A very humble, kind-hearted young lad. Always smiling and eager to help anyone who crossed his path. A person who was very observant and would always strike a look of curiosity,” she continued. “In this time of difficulty as we all know one is not prepared to face life’s sudden tragedies. I am humbly seeking assistance in aid to help my children and I.”
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