In Kota Kinabalu, it took police 12 shots to convince a crocodile to release the remains of 48-year-old Roberto Martinus, who had gone missing at the Kinabatangan river. His disappearance was reported on Wednesday (Feb 7) morning after he went fishing at the river at Ladang Linddale, Paris 2.
A search and rescue mission was launched the same day by the Fire and Rescue Department, with support from the police, Sabah Wildlife Department, and local villagers.
The second day of the search and rescue effort began at 9:40am with a surface search using boats along the part of the river where Martinus was last seen. Rescuers spotted Martinus’ body at 5:45pm, still in the jaws of the crocodile.
In order to retrieve Martinus’ remains, police had to fire 12 shots at the reptile until it finally released the body. Unfortunately, only his left leg was recovered.
The victim was identified by family members, and his remains were handed over to the police for further actions. The operation concluded at 6:15pm.
The Fire and Rescue Department spokesman explained that the crocodile released the body after being fired upon and that the remains were turned over to the authorities for investigation.
The situation was a tragic end to the search for Martinus, and the authorities, along with his family, were left to deal with the aftermath of recovering his remains.
