View of small islands of the Marovo Lagoon in Solomon Islands. Photo: Oliver Foerstner
A woman in her 40s from the Western Province was killed in a crocodile attack while going for a bath near the seaside, Solomon Islands police said on Friday.
The incident occurred at Dokudola camp in Marovo Lagoon on 13 March, provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu said.
"Not long after the deceased went for a bath, a loud scream was heard by villagers living nearby prompting them to rush to where she was last seen. During that time they flash[ed] a torch to the sea front and [saw] her two hands waving," Lenialu said.
He said the villager rushed to help but were unable to rescue the woman.
"Police at Seghe with the help of the nearby community [searched] throughout the night without any sighting [of the women's body]."
The victim's body was found the next day, floating 100 metres away from the place where the attack took place..
Lenialu said this is the second crocodile attack that has happened in the same area and communities are urged to take preventive measures.
Public are advised to call in at any nearest police station to fill in a crocodile destruction form so that police can swiftly respond for the destruction of this dangerous reptile.
