Crocodile killed after death of Edward ‘Baidham’ Morrison on Saibai Island, Torres Strait
A four-metre crocodile believed to have fatally attacked a teenage boy north of Queensland has been killed.
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A four-metre crocodile believed to have fatally attacked a teenage boy north of Queensland has been killed.
Department of Environment officers launched an aerial and ground search last week after the body of Edward ‘Baidham’ Morrison Warusam was found in mangroves on Saibai Island on Thursday.
The 16-year-old had gone out on a dinghy with another teen, aged 13, the night prior but their boat ran into engine issues and the pair attempted to swim back to shore.
The 13-year-old made it through the 500m distance back to land but the older teen went missing while in waist-deep water.
His body was tragically found with injuries consistent with a crocodile attack about 12 hours after he was reported missing.
Wildlife officers then found the reptile near where Edward was killed during a spotlight search on Friday night.
The following day it was humanely euthanised and disposed of at sea, in line with the wishes of the Saibai Island community.
“The animal displayed parading behaviour such as raising its head as it swam, which is consistent with it being the target animal,” a DES statement read.
“Community members expressed their appreciation for the rapid response to the incident.”
“The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation expresses its sincere condolences to the friends, family and community on Saibai Island.”
The teen has been remembered as an athletic, curious and kind-hearted young lad who played junior rugby league for Edmonton Storm.
His mother, Kemana Kusu, said he was “always smiling and eager to help anyone”.
“A very humble, kind hearted young lad,” the single mum of nine said.
At the time of publication almost $15,000 had been donated to the family through GoFundMe.
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Originally published as Crocodile killed after death of Edward ‘Baidham’ Morrison on Saibai Island, Torres Strait
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