Animals Gone Wild: Indonesian Man Killed by Crocodile in Sumatra

BANYUASIN, KOMPAS.com - For Karsiti, an idyllic fishing trip in the waterways of Banyuasin Regency in South Sumatra Province with his 17 year-old child Selin quickly turned into a nightmare, after a crocodile attacked them and snatched the 45 year-old in its jaws.

"The incident occurred at 8.30 on Sunday evening, shortly after the two arrived at the area," said Sugihan Welli Ardiansyah, the head of the Muara Sub-district on Tuesday, June 1.

"The two residents of Ganesha Mukti village immediately started fishing without checking if the waterways are free of crocodiles."

Also read: Animals Gone Wild: Indonesian Farmer Killed by Crocodile in East Nusa Tenggara

Sugihan added that "the crocodile pounced on the boat they were on and overturned the vessel. The reptile then dragged Karsiti, while Selin managed to surviveAlso by swimming to shore." He added that Selin, who is the sole survivor, reported the incident to the authorities."  

"Teams of local volunteers joined the police in looking for Karsiti, whose body has not been found," said Welli.

"The waters here are long known fishing spot for residents. However, we urge locals not to fish here due to its dangers and to keep other from falling victim [to the crocodile], and to find Karsiti," he warned. 

Also read: Crocodile Snatches Woman Doing Laundry in River in Eastern Indonesia

"We urge residents not to fish there, because it is dangerous. We are also still focusing on finding the victim," he explained.

Muara Padang Police chief Inspector First Class Ginting, also confirmed the incident. "We are still verifying informatioin from the locals as we search for [Karsiti's] remains."

Standoffs between humans and animals, particularly predators like crocodiles, tigers and snakes are becoming increasingly common, as the former increasingly enroach over the latter's habitat.

(Writer: Aji YK Putra, Palembang Contributor | Editor: David Oliver Purba)

Source: https://regional.kompas.com/read/2021/06/01/072711978/detik-detik-ayah-dan-anak-diterkam-buaya-saat-berada-di-perahu-satu-hilang?page=all#page3.