Former radio presenter disappears after going fishing in river full of crocodiles | World

A former Australian broadcaster, identified as Roman Butchaski, has been missing since Sunday, after going fishing alone in an area full of crocodiles. The case took place on the Cape York Peninsula, in the state of Queensland.

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Butchaski was staying at the Bramwell Station campground and went fishing alone in the Olive River in the morning, but did not return. According to ABC News, an alarm was raised at night to report his disappearance.

In addition to the police, teams from the Queensland Department of Environment are also working on the case. Helicopters have been flying over the site since Sunday. This Tuesday, more police officers were assigned to assist in the operation. During the search, agents found the man’s car in the river and some belongings on the bank, according to ABC News and the BBC, respectively.

Butchaski was known as Butch and loved fishing, according to the BBC. He hosted a fishing program on Sydney radio station 2GB.

‘Crocodile country’

In a press conference with reporters, Queensland police sergeant Duane Amos said that the region where Butchaski’s disappearance occurred is full of crocodiles. Although animal attacks are uncommon in the country, several have been recorded this year, BBC News reported.

Despite this, the sergeant stated that the man knew the region well:

— He was well prepared for an expedition he had already undertaken on other occasions — reassured Amos, according to the report.

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A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said, cited by ABC News, that eight employees specializing in wildlife were working on the operation to ensure the safety of other agents. He also stated that, at the moment, they are not working on the hypothesis of a crocodile attack.

— At the moment, there is no evidence that a crocodile was involved in the disappearance — he pointed out, adding: — The Olive River is known as “crocodile country” and, therefore, people tend to think that these animals are involved in everything .

Other risks

Butchaski’s friend and show co-host Gavin Pitchford said his colleague, although he lived in Sydney, was always visiting the region. He said he is “devastated” by the disappearance:

— He walks there regularly, has been fishing there forever.

Pitchford also expressed concern for his friend. He said that the former radio host has diabetes and, therefore, fears that he may have suffered a medical episode during the activity.