A tragic crocodile attack in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia, claimed the life of a one-year-old boy on June 19. The child was in a canoe with his father, who was fishing when the crocodile suddenly attacked. The father tried to save his son but failed and suffered serious injuries.

“The father suffered serious head and body injuries. His son is still missing and search operations are ongoing,” said Sumsoa Rashid, head of the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Agency. He was taken to Lahad Datu Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have warned the local community to avoid the river. “We have warned them of the extra dangers at the moment and to be especially careful because the crocodile is likely to be still in the area,” Sumsoa added.

While rare, fatal crocodile attacks do occur. In 2022, Australian officials killed a “problem animal” crocodile after it attacked a woman in Lake Argyle.

In another recent case, a man in the Philippines survived a crocodile attack after mistaking it for a statue in a zoo.

The Royal Malaysian Police continue searching for the missing child’s body.