They shot dead the four-meter crocodile that killed a 16-year-old boy.
The body of Edward Morrison Warusam, known by his cultural name: Baidham, was found on Thursday in the mangroves of Saibai Island in the Torres Strait.
Baidham, 16, was traveling on a boat with another teenager, 13, on Wednesday night, but had to abandon ship when the engine broke down.
The pair attempted to swim 500 meters to shore, but Baidham disappeared into the waist-deep water.
His body was found around 4 a.m. the next day with injuries consistent with a crocodile attack.
Edward Morrison Warusam (pictured), known by his cultural name: Baidham, died in a crocodile attack on Wednesday night.
Department of Environment officers ‘humanely euthanized’ four-metre crocodile believed to be responsible for attack
Department of Environment officers launched an aerial and ground search and on Friday night discovered the crocodile near where Baidham was killed.
The killer crocodile was “humanely euthanized” by wildlife officials on Saturday after receiving blessings from the Saibai Island community.
“The animal displayed display behavior, such as raising its head while swimming, which is consistent with being the target animal,” a DES statement reads.
‘Community members expressed their gratitude for the quick response to the incident.
“The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation expresses its sincere condolences to the friends, family and community of Saibai Island.”
Baidham’s mother, Kemana Kusu, a single mother of nine children living in Cairns, described her teenage son’s death as “tragic”.
“Baidham was a very athletic person who participated in all events, whether at school or with his local soccer club, the Edmonton Storms,” he wrote in a GoFundMe post on Saturday.
‘A very humble and kind-hearted young man. He was always smiling and eager to help anyone who crossed his path.
“A person who was very observant and always had a look of curiosity.”
Ms Kusu asked for donations to help support her family as they mourn the sudden death of the 16-year-old.
The crocodile was found near Saibai Island (pictured), located between far north Queensland and Papua New Guinea in the Torres Strait.
“In these difficult times, as we all know, one is not prepared to face life’s sudden tragedies,” he said.
‘I humbly seek help to help my children and get through this difficult time.
‘Any and all contributions will be greatly appreciated. My family and I humbly thank you all.”
At the time of this publication, GoFundMe had raised nearly $14,500.