• The victim was netting prawns with his father when the attack occurred

• Rescuers and villagers found his body the following morning near the disappearance site

A man who had been attacked by a crocodile while catching prawns with his father in Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia, was found dead a day after the incident, which shocked the local community.

Authorities confirmed that the victim, identified as 28-year-old Rayyan Abdullah, was found floating in the river about 500 meters from the spot where he was last seen, around 9:55 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

Kinabatangan Fire Station chief Hairi Otuh said rescuers, aided by local villagers, recovered the body, noting that some parts were missing.

“The body was retrieved from the river and later handed over to the police for further procedures,” he added.

The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, March 17, in Kampung Segaliud, when the young man was catching prawns and a crocodile suddenly attacked, dragging him into the water.

His father attempted to intervene but was unable to stop the reptile, which quickly submerged.

Authorities received a report at 8:22 p.m., prompting an immediate search. Rescue teams paused operations at 10:50 p.m. due to darkness and safety risks and resumed at 9:15 a.m. the following day.

No other casualties were reported.