Search team shoots killer croc 12 times to force it to release missing man's remains

KOTA KINABALU: Police had to fire 12 shots at a crocodile to force it to release the remains of a 48-year-old man who was reported missing at a Kinabatangan river.

Indonesian Roberto Martinus was reported missing and feared mauled by a crocodile on Wednesday (Feb 7) morning when he went fishing at the river at Ladang Linddale, Paris 2.

A search and rescue mission was mounted the same day by the Fire and Rescue Department, assisted by the police, Sabah Wildlife Department and villagers.

"The second day of SAR was initiated at 9.40am with a surface search using boats along the river where the victim was last spotted.

"The victim's body was found by rescuers at 5.45pm still in the grasp of the crocodile.

"Police fired 12 shots until the reptile released the body.

"However, only the left leg of the victim was retrieved.

"Identification was done by family members and the remains were handed over to the police for further action," said the Fire and Rescue Department spokesman, adding that the operation ended at 6.15pm.