In a strange turn of events, a Queensland man has gone missing after he jumped into a croc-infested river attempting to escape the local police. The officers witnessed the man jump into the deadly Fitzroy River while chasing him in Rockhampton on October 19, 2023.
Queensland Man Missing After Diving Into Fitzroy River
Chief Inspector Mark Burgess spoke to the press where he revealed that the officers were trying to negotiate with the missing Queensland man to return to a safe spot near the river bank. He said,
“At one point, the missing person has become distressed and then has gone underwater.”
He further stated that the Queensland man called out for help while he was in the water, however, within a few seconds, he was nowhere to be seen.
“My understanding is that he’s yelled out ‘help’, or words of that similar nature, and has gone underwater. That would indicate some type of distress or some type of event.
“Unfortunately, the officers have not been able to see that person resurface.
Burgess also assured that the authorities are trying to locate the unidentified man and are taking necessary measures to get him out of the water.
“Grave fears are being held for his safety.”
Police have not disregarded the chance that the man could have reached the shoreline. Burgess highlighted that the region is filled with a ‘variety of dangers’. This includes crocodiles in the Fitzroy River and bull sharks.
In July, an enormous crocodile measuring 4.5 meters in length was taken out of the river. Upon searching for the individual on Thursday night, authorities encountered a minimum of one of the crocodiles.
The inspector also assured that the team will continue their search for the Queensland man until it doesn’t make sense to do so. They are hoping to retrieve the man from the river safe and sound.
“We won’t discontinue the search unless it’s absolutely clear that it’s futile. We’ll continue to hold out hope and our priority is locating the missing person.”
As per 9News, the police have called for backup and a dive squad will be added to the search team, which consists of SES, law enforcement, and the CQ Rescue helicopter crews.
On Thursday night, officers were trying to serve an arrest warrant at an address on East Street when the man fled the scene.
He ran along East Street and Victoria Parade, trying to escape, before he leaped into the river. The missing Queensland man, from Kawana, was around 187cm in height, slimly built, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. His outfit consisted of dark shorts and a grey shirt.
John Lever, owner of Koorana Crocodile Farm situated near Rockhampton, declared that based on his survey from last year, there are close to eight saltwater crocodiles, the most fearsome in the world, living in the region.
The animals are mostly active during the twilight hours and would have begun foraging by 6 in the evening. The ongoing mating period has led them to be more protective towards their mates, thus potentially increasing their level of danger.
