In a harrowing incident that unfolded in the early hours of September 20th, a group of men in Sabah's Lahad Datu district on the east coast were left in shock and horror as a crocodile attacked one of their friends during their crab trapping expedition. The victim, a 23-year-old oil palm plantation worker, tragically fell prey to this fearsome reptile, leaving his companions utterly helpless.
The quartet had ventured into the waters off Kampung Tinagian, Tanjung Labian, under the cover of darkness, armed with their crab-trapping gear. Little did they know that their peaceful endeavor would take a nightmarish turn. In the blink of an eye, the crocodile struck, targeting the young plantation worker.
Lahad Datu Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Rohan Shah Ahmad, recounted the horrifying event, stating, "The three friends could only watch as the attack happened in a split second. Their friend vanished in an instant (into the water) before they could do anything." It was a helpless and distressing moment that would haunt them forever.
The tragic turn of events took an even grimmer turn when, at 7:20 AM, the lifeless body of the victim was discovered on the beach near the army post at Kampung Tanjung Batu. The foreign national had suffered grievous injuries, including bite marks on his left arm and head, along with scratches on his chest and backside, a testament to the brutal force of the crocodile.
Following the discovery of the victim's body, a police team swiftly transported the remains to the Lahad Datu Hospital's forensics department for a thorough postmortem examination. This marked the first crocodile attack recorded in Lahad Datu in the year, a stark reminder of the unpredictability and danger that can lurk in the region's waters.
Assistant Commissioner Dr. Rohan Shah Ahmad issued a cautionary statement, urging the community, especially those engaged in activities at sea or rivers, to exercise extreme vigilance when navigating these areas. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks posed by the natural environment and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to prevent such devastating encounters with wildlife.
Reference: Friends watch helplessly as man snatched by crocodile in Lahad Datu | The Star
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