Crocodile attack Northern Territory: Family of little girl break their silence

A relative of a young girl believed to have been killed by a crocodile in the Northern Territory has spoken out.

The girl was last seen swimming with family members on Tuesday in Mango Creek, near the remote Aboriginal community of Nganmarriyanga (also known as Palumpa), 350km southwest of Darwin. Her remains were partially found on Thursday.

“It’s been an extremely difficult, 36 hours in fact… For the family it’s the most devastating outcome they could imagine. They’re in a state of extreme shock and disbelief,” NT Police Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said.

Sgt Gibson told ABC Radio Darwin on Thursday morning that the girl was with her family when the incident occurred.

“The child disappeared and they alerted other family members, who were able to alert and contact the police,” she said.

“It’s just a very tragic event, not only for the family, but for all the police officers who helped them.”

A family member who was not present when the incident occurred has since posted a message on social media expressing her sadness.

“My condolences to my entire family… in Palumpa’s words, I cannot express the loss and pain we feel,” said Jade Walker.

NT police officers near the area where the girl disappeared. Her remains were found after a 36-hour search by land, air and water

‘Such a tragic [event] May the Lord bless you all in this sad time. God has another beautiful angel.

‘Thinking of you, my big brother and sister-in-law, mother and the rest of the families… I wish we were back home with my mother’s side of the family.’

Some people have since felt the need to take to social media to say that the girl should not have been in the water, as it is known to be the domain of crocodiles.

“It’s the Arctic where crocodiles are everywhere, swim at your own risk,” someone said.

“She says she is a child and her parents should have taught her how to be safe in the water. Secondly, her parents should not have let her swim in crocodile water.”

“Why swim when there are crocodiles?” asked another.

‘Didn’t they see the many signs around these areas? All you have to do is get out of your car and a local will warn you. So bad, where were the parents, she was only 12?’ said a third.

“That’s the risk you take when you go swimming in these kinds of areas,” said another.

Efforts are still underway to find and capture the crocodile responsible.

Saltwater crocodiles are territorial and the killer is likely to remain in nearby waterways.

The young girl was last seen swimming in Mango Creek, in the remote Northern Territory community of Nganmarriyanga, 360km southwest of Darwin (map shown here)

There are approximately 500,000 crocodiles in the NT, which is a huge increase in numbers over the past few decades, although the number of attacks has not increased

The crocodile population has exploded in Australia’s tropical north since they were recognised as a protected species under Australian law in the 1970s.

Saltwater crocodiles can live up to 70 years and grow up to six meters in length during their lifetime. The number of larger crocodiles is also increasing.

Crocodiles are considered a hazard in most waterways of the Northern Territory.

SAFETY EDUCATION FOR CROCODILES

Some ways to stay safe in areas where saltwater crocodiles may be present include:

• Never swim in water where crocodiles may live, even if there is no warning sign. Swim only in designated safe swimming areas.

• Follow all crocodile warning signs. They are there for your safety and protection.

• Always be on the lookout for crocodiles. They see you before you see them.

• Never provoke, intimidate or disturb crocodiles, even if they are small.

• Never feed crocodiles: it is illegal and dangerous.

• Be extra vigilant around water at night and during the breeding season from September to April.

• Avoid approaching the water’s edge and do not paddle or wade along the water’s edge.

• Stay well clear of any crocodile slide marks. Crocodiles can be close and can approach people and boats.

• The smaller the boat, the greater the risk.

• Always stand at least five metres from the water’s edge when fishing.

• Be extra vigilant when launching or retrieving your boat in an area where crocodiles live in saltwater.

• Do not lean over the side of a boat or stand on logs overhanging the water.

• Never let your arms or legs dangle over the side of a boat. If you fall out of a boat, get out of the water as quickly as possible.

• Camp at least 2 metres above the high water mark and at least 50 metres from the water’s edge. Avoid areas where native and domestic animals drink.

• Don’t always go to the same spot on the waterfront to fill your bucket.

• Dispose of food scraps, fish waste and other rubbish properly, well away from your campsite.

• Never leave food scraps, fishing frames or bait at your campsite. Always check that previous campers have not left these behind.

• Never prepare food, wash dishes, or do other activities near the water’s edge or adjacent sloping banks. Instead, fill your bucket and move away from the water’s edge before beginning any tasks.

Source: NT government.

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