Horrific find in search for missing Aurukun fisherman Adam Yunkaporta
WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned the following may contain images and voices of deceased persons. Police have located human remains inside a crocodile as part of the recovery of a man reported missing from Aurukun.
Cairns
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Police have found human remains believed to be a missing fisherman from Aurukun inside a dark coloured 4m crocodile.
Adam Yunkaporta, 60, had been missing in Aurukun, 800km from Cairns, since Thursday, January 30.
He was last known to have gone fishing at the convergence of the three rivers west of Aurukun.
Wildlife officers located the crocodile along Watson River on Friday night where it was humanely euthanised.
The animal was very distinguishable as it had dark skin colouration compared to other large crocodiles in the area.
Forensic testing was carried out Saturday morning and human remains were located within the crocodile.
Further testing will be conducted to identify the remains.
The family of the missing Aurukun man and the council have been advised.
Authorities confirmed on Thursday morning the operation was being guided by “gathered intelligence” and established search and rescue techniques.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said a large number of locals, including police, SES volunteers, wildlife rangers, and community members, had been involved in the ongoing search efforts.
“Assets include police, SES volunteers, wildlife rangers, aerial support, and community members conducting foot patrols on land, and boats to search the river,” he said.
Mr Yunkaporta was last seen leaving his home but it’s understood he went fishing near crocodile infested waters.
His disappearance left the community extremely concerned for his welfare.
“Adam is much loved by the community, and everyone is very concerned for his safety,” a local source said.
“It’s a small community out here and he is very loved, such a sweet soul. We’re all in shock to be honest.”
The Far North has seen three other fatal crocodile attacks in the past two years.
Laura publican Kevin Darmody, 65, was killed in an attack involving two crocodiles on April 29, 2023 while fishing in Lakefield National Park.
In August Newcastle doctor David Hogbin was killed when he slipped off a bank into the Annan River near Cooktown while visiting with his young family.
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Originally published as Horrific find in search for missing Aurukun fisherman Adam Yunkaporta
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