Body of Central fisherman in croc attack found

By SONYA KILAGI
THE body of a fisherman attacked by a crocodile in Central has been found after three days of search by locals.
The deceased, James Openi, from Paramana village in Abau, and five others went diving for beche de mer (sea cucumbers) out at sea on Monday when he was attacked.
Village chairman Puri Holo said the body was found at around 9am yesterday in the mangroves, “believed to be carried there by the current from where he was attacked”.
Coordinator of the search party, Nathan Karawa, said the body was buried immediately after it was found, leaving his two children and wife devastated.
“There were severe crocodile bites all over his body,” Karawa said. “We assembled a new coffin to put his body in as the one we have got could not fit him due to swellings”.
Karawa, also an in-law of the deceased, said he had taken the responsibility to coordinate the search party as he could not bear the thought of his grandchildren losing a loved one.
Karawa said there were 12 dinghies engaged in the search, each consisting of six men equipped with fishing gears.
Karawa confirmed Openi was the fourth to be attacked by crocodile in the area.
Three had died while one (Karawa’s son) survived.
Holo added that discussions between the village councillor, who was absent, and relevant authorities, will include an awareness programme.