Officials looking for clues to missing fisherman find 'important items' inside crocodile

Kevin Darmody went missing along the Kennedy River in Lakefield National Park in north Queensland

Australian officials found «objects related to to the point.» a large crocodile they shot while looking for a fisherman who is believed to have been killed by one of the animals.

Wildlife officers shot and killed two crocodiles they spotted upstream from where 65-year-old Kevin Darmody went missing on Saturday in Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park in tropical north Queensland. They intend to conduct a thorough post-mortem examination of the contents of the stomachs of the reptiles.

Mark Henderson, Inspector of the Queensland Police, said: inside this crocodile.

Mr Darmody, owner of a pub in the remote Cape region York in Queensland was fishing on the banks of the Kennedy River when nearby fishermen heard a scream, then splashes and noise. He disappeared, leaving on the shore only a pair of slippers that he had on before.

Investigators believe he may have been grabbed by a crocodile after he walked to the water to retrieve fishing bait. One of the shot crocodiles was 13 feet (4.1 meters) long, and the other was 9 feet.

The rivers, estuaries and coastal waters of Queensland are famous for their huge saltwater crocodiles.

Michael Joyce of Queensland's Environment Department has warned fishermen to stay away from the water's edge when fishing in crocodile-infested rivers.

«If you're in the water, and especially if you're in Lakefield designated specifically for crocodile conservation, you should expect crocodiles in that water,» he said.

Steve Irwin

One local resident claimed that Steve Irwin, a TV presenter known as Crocodile Hunter, who was killed by a stingray in 2006 while snorkeling off the coast of Queensland, has been releasing troublesome crocodiles in the area.

Cameron McDougall, a recreational fisherman, said: «There is one, which we know well. For years I have said, «One day this crocodile will eat somebody.» because he will follow you and land right on the bank.

Fishing in crocodile country requires staying at least 10 feet from the water, he said. «If you keep moving, they'll have to constantly change their positions and try to track you again.»

The alleged attack on Mr. Darmody has sparked calls for saltwater crocodiles, which are found in large parts of northern Australia, to be culled.