A 25-year-old man disappeared while fishing in Kinabatangan, Malaysia, leaving behind only torn equipment. Authorities recovered a body on September 5, 2024, after an extensive search operation, pointing to a likely crocodile attack.
Brono Kamil Nahak, a local fisherman, was reported missing after he failed to return from his routine fishing trip on the Kinabatangan River in eastern Malaysia. Colleagues became concerned when Nahak didn’t come back as expected and went to search for him.
Searchers made a chilling discovery at Nahak’s usual fishing spot. They found his belongings scattered on the riverbank, including his T-shirt, shoes, cap, and motorbike. Most alarmingly, they also found a ripped fishing net, suggesting a violent encounter.
Fearing the worst, Nahak’s colleagues immediately contacted the local fire department to report the fisherman’s disappearance and their suspicions of a crocodile attack.
Riki Mohan Singh Ramday, a spokesperson for the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department, provided details about the search operation. He explained that upon their arrival, the team initiated a search and ultimately discovered the victim’s body approximately 0.62 miles from the suspected attack site. This distance is consistent with typical crocodile behavior, as these predators drag their prey underwater and move them some distance away before feeding.
The search operation faced additional challenges due to the remote nature of the incident site. Ramday revealed that the firefighting team had to journey almost 50 miles to reach the location. This considerable distance highlights the isolated character of Nahak’s fishing spot, which may have played a role in the delayed realization of his disappearance. The area’s seclusion complicated the rescue efforts and highlighted the potential dangers those working in such secluded environments face.
Following the recovery of Nahak’s body, local authorities handed it over to the police for further investigation into the exact cause of death. While the evidence strongly suggests a crocodile attack, officials thoroughly examined it to rule out any other possibilities.
Saltwater crocodiles pose a significant threat to humans who venture near their habitats in many parts of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
A similar tragedy occurred in far north Queensland, Australia just last month. A 40-year-old man, identified as Dave Hogbin, was killed by a 16-foot crocodile while walking along the Annan River with his wife. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Hogbin’s final act was to save his wife from being pulled into the water with him.
Jane Hogbin, the victim’s wife, described the brief and intense moments of the attack. She said the incident lasted only 30 seconds and stressed that her husband was trying to protect her. Mrs. Hogbin expressed thankfulness that her husband’s actions likely saved her from the crocodile. Her account highlights the sudden and dangerous nature of such wildlife encounters.
In some regions, efforts are being made to manage crocodile populations and reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict. However, as human activities increasingly encroach on natural habitats, such encounters may become more frequent.