Little Girl's Family Breaks Silence

By Brett Lackey for Daily Mail Australia

05:18 05 Jul 2024, updated 07:49 05 Jul 2024

An extended family member of a young girl allegedly killed by a crocodile in the Northern Territory has spoken out.

The girl was last seen swimming with family members at Mango Creek, near the remote Aboriginal community of Nganmarriyanga – also known as Palumpa – 350km southwest of Darwin, on Tuesday before her partial remains were found on Thursday.

“It was an extremely difficult experience, lasting 36 hours… For the family it is the most devastating outcome. They are in a state of extreme shock and disbelief,” NT Police Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson said.

An extended family member who was not present when the incident occurred has since shared a post on social media expressing his sadness.

“My condolences to my entire family…with Palumpa’s words, I cannot express the loss and pain we feel,” Jade Walker said.

“Such a tragic event. May the Lord bless you all at this very sad time, God has gained another beautiful angel.

“I’m thinking of you, my big brother and sister-in-law, mom and the rest of the families… I wish we were back home with all the families on my mom’s side.”

NT police officers attended the area where the girl went missing. Her remains were found after a 36-hour land, air and sea search.

Senior Sergeant Gibson told ABC Radio Darwin on Thursday morning the girl was with her family when the incident happened.

“The child disappeared and they notified other families who were able to notify and contact the police,” she said.

“It’s just a really tragic event, not only for the family but for all the frontline police officers who were there to help them.”

Some have since cruelly found it necessary to point out on social media that the young girl should not have been allowed to enter the water, which is known to be the domain of crocodiles.

“In the NT crocodiles are everywhere, swim at your own risk,” one person said.

“Saying she is a child and her parents should have taught her water safety rules, secondly, her parents should not have allowed her to swim in crocodile infested waters.”

“Why swim where there are crocodiles?” added another.

“Didn’t they see the many signs posted in these areas? You just have to get out of your car and a local will warn you. It’s very sad, where were the parents, she was only 12?” said a third.

“That’s the risk you take when you swim in these areas,” said another.

Efforts continue to locate and trap the responsible crocodile.

Saltwater crocodiles are territorial and the killer is likely to remain in nearby waterways.

The girl was last seen swimming at Mango Creek in the remote community of Nganmarriyanga in the Northern Territory, 360km southwest of Darwin (a map is shown)

There are about 500,000 crocodiles in the Northern Territory, a significant increase in numbers in recent decades, although attacks have not increased.

The crocodile population has exploded in Australia’s tropical north since they became a protected species under Australian law in the 1970s.

Saltwater crocodiles can live up to 70 years and grow throughout their lives, reaching up to six metres in length, while the proportion of larger crocodiles is also increasing.

Crocodiles are considered a risk in most Northern Territory waterways.

CROCODILE SAFETY TRAINING

Here are some tips for staying safe in areas likely to harbor saltwater crocodiles:

• Never swim in waters where crocodiles live, even if there is no warning sign. Swim only in designated safe swimming areas.

• Obey all crocodile warning signs: they are there for your safety and protection.

• Always be aware of crocodiles. They will see you before you see them.

• Never provoke, harass or disturb crocodiles, even small ones.

• Never feed crocodiles: it is illegal and dangerous.

• Be especially vigilant near water at night and during the breeding season, from September to April.

• Avoid approaching the water’s edge and do not paddle or wade at the water’s edge.

• Stay well away from crocodile tracks. Crocodiles can be nearby and approach people and boats.

• The smaller the boat, the greater the risk.

• Always stay at least five metres from the water’s edge when fishing.

• Be especially careful when launching or retrieving your boat from saltwater crocodile habitat.

• Do not lean over the edge of a boat or stand on logs overhanging the water.

• Never let your arms or legs hang overboard. If you fall out of a boat, get out of the water as quickly as possible.

• Camp at least 2 metres above the high water mark and at least 50 metres from the water’s edge. Avoid areas where native and domestic animals drink.

• Avoid returning to the same spot at the water’s edge regularly to fill your bucket.

• Dispose of food scraps, fish offal and other waste properly and away from your campsite.

• Never leave food scraps, fish frames or bait on your campsite. Always check that previous campers have not left them behind.

• Never prepare food, wash dishes or do any other activity near the water’s edge or adjacent sloping banks. Instead, fill your bucket and move away from the water’s edge before beginning any task.

Source: NT Government.