Crocodile swallows British tourist

Wed, 17 Apr 2002 | Source: JP:

BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: A British tourist, Richard Anthony Shadwell, 37, disappeared after he was grabbed by a pot- bellied crocodile (Crocodilus Hiporcatus) while having a dip in a stream in the Tanjung Puting National Park.

After coming out of the protected forest, Shadwell and three other tourists stopped by the Simpang Kanan river. Unaware that the cool, narrow and still river was inhabited by crocodiles, the victim plunged into it to have a dip.

Three of his Canadian friends were powerless to save Shadwell as they watched the crocodile's sharp teeth bite his head, a few seconds before it dragged him into the dark colored river.

Banjarmasin Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. M.S. Maltha said local authorities along with local people were searching for the body. He added that the case had been reported to the British Embassy in Jakarta. --JP

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