Fears for child, 12, who went missing while swimming at Mango Creek in NT
The search for a missing 12-year-old girl who was last seen swimming in an NT creek in croc country has turned into a recovery mission, police say.
The child was last seen swimming at Mango Creek, near the remote community of Palumpa, about 5.30pm on Tuesday.
Initial reports said the child had been attacked by a crocodile.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A large-scale search was conducted in the river via boat on Wednesday morning, however Police Minister Brent Potter has now said the rescue mission’s purpose had likely changed.
“It’s probably safe to say we’re in the recovery stage,” he said according to NT News.
He said the Search and Rescue team had been authorised to “remove the crocodile from the area” so that they could safely continue the search.
“They do an amazing piece of work, those officers are also divers and they do go into croc-infested waters as required,” he said.
Palumpa is located in the Daly River region and has a history of crocodile-related incidents.
In 2017, a 54-year-old man was attacked by a 2m crocodile, suffering bites to his chest and arm.
In 2013, a 4.5m crocodile that had been causing problems within the community was shot dead.
The saltwater croc had reportedly been preventing children from going to school by blocking a local causeway.
