A 68-year-old man, M Yunus, was found dead after allegedly being attacked by a crocodile while bathing in the Peureulak River in Aceh, Indonesia, on the morning of August 29. Yunus had informed his wife, Dimyam, that he was going to bathe in the river behind their house in Bhom Lama village. When he failed to return, his wife discovered his clothes and cell phone on the riverbank, prompting a search that led to the discovery of his body.
Background
Yunus’s wife, 64-year-old Dimyam, became concerned when he did not return from his bath. She found his belongings on the riverbank and immediately informed their child, who resides in Langsa, another city in Aceh. The child then reported the incident to the village authorities and the police, initiating a search operation.
Search and discovery
Upon receiving the report, the police coordinated with the East Aceh and Langsa City Regional Board for Disaster Management (BPBD) teams. Using a rubber boat, the search team combed through the river and found Yunus’s body floating approximately 500 meters from where he was presumed to have drowned. Ranto Peureulak Police Chief Iptu Andi Ananta Grilya Utama confirmed that Yunus’s body was found in an “incomplete” state, with his entire upper body missing, suggesting a crocodile attack.
Community reaction
The incident has instilled fear among the residents of Bhom Lama village, who are now avoiding the river. The community is appealing to relevant agencies to take action to protect them and prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
Calls for action
Residents are urging authorities to implement measures to ensure their safety. The fear of further crocodile attacks has disrupted their daily activities, and they are seeking reassurance and protection from local agencies. The tragic death of M Yunus has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures in areas prone to wildlife encounters.
