Croc attack kills father of four in Ngella

A father of four children died after a crocodile attack during a diving trip at Nikunitava in Ngella, Central Province on 6 June 2023.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province Superintendent David Soakai said the deceased accompanied five other boys on a diving trip to a place called Nikunitava when the incident happened

 He reported that when they arrived at the diving spot they were diving in two groups.

Whilst they were diving one of the boys’ sighted a big black object swimming past them and he advised them to jump back into their canoes for their safety but the deceased was unable to as he was still under water.

Soakai said while the deceased was under water, a few metres away from the other divers, they tried to give signs to him of the dangers of the reptile, however, it was during that time the crocodile attacked the father

He said the boys disturbed the crocodile and fought it for an hour and managed to pull the deceased from the reptile.

“It is a sad incident and it is advisable for everyone to take precautionary measures when going on diving,” said Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau.

He added police are working on a plan for crocodile destruction.

Mangau sends his condolences to the family of the deceased.