Malaysian authorities have made a grim discovery of human remains inside a massive 18-foot crocodile, suspected to be the creature responsible for the death of a young girl in Sungai Tatau, Sarawak region. The incident occurred on September 25, 2024, when six-year-old Cecelia Julan Intik was dragged underwater by the reptile while swimming with her family, causing a state of shock and concern among the local community.
The enormous predator attacked and pulled Cecelia into the river as her sister and grandfather watched helplessly. They attempted to save her, but the crocodile’s strength and speed made rescue efforts futile.
In the aftermath of the attack, an immediate search operation was initiated by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. Within a few days, two large crocodiles, measuring 17 and 18 feet respectively, were captured. These crocodiles, among the largest ever captured in the area, necessitated the use of a tugboat and a crane to bring them ashore.
Upon performing an autopsy on the captured reptiles, wildlife experts found human remains in the stomach of the larger crocodile. A report from the Daily Mail states that teeth, bones, and coins were found inside the crocodile’s stomach. The remains, believed to be Cecelia’s, have been forwarded to the forensic labs at Malaysia’s Department of Chemistry for further analysis.
Following these incidents, local authorities are advising residents to be extremely careful when near water bodies known to be inhabited by crocodiles. Sarawak, known for its dense forests and diverse wildlife, has witnessed an increase in crocodile attacks. This has raised concerns over the growing population of saltwater crocodiles in the region. Despite their name, these reptiles often enter freshwater rivers and lakes in search of prey.
In a related event in Indonesia, a 54-year-old woman, Halima Rahakbauw, was similarly attacked by a crocodile while swimming in a river in August. As in Cecelia’s case, human remains were found inside the reptile after capture. Local news reported that the crocodile was seen consuming the woman’s body before authorities arrived and killed it.
