Second croc killed as investigation into missing fisherman continues

Police are waiting on DNA testing to confirm whether the remains are a match for Mr Heard, with a media conference scheduled on Monday morning.

In the wake of the apparent fatal attack, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she will ask Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon to investigate whether a $6 million awareness campaign is being deployed effectively.

Ms Palaszczuk said present crocodile management practices were sufficient.

“Problem crocodiles are removed if they are posing a risk, they will be removed and taken care of,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“But I do also believe there is now perhaps some more heightened awareness in the north of our state, and I think it’s important that the parks officers … are engaging with the community to ensure people are absolutely well aware of the dangers.

“And I know they are [aware of the dangers] in the north of our state, but of course we saw that tragedy happen just recently.”

Mr Heard, a 69-year-old experienced fisherman, went missing on Thursday, with his disappearance described as out of character.

He failed to return from a fishing trip to Gayundah Creek – on the south-western side of Hinchinbrook Island between Cairns and Townsville – and his wife raised the alarm after she was unable to contact him by radio.

Wildlife officers earlier thought it “highly likely” a crocodile was involved in Mr Heard’s disappearance after they discovered the four-metre crocodile near his empty boat.

The Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron, of which Mr Heard was a “beloved” life member, shared an image of the “all-round legendary bloke” after news of the discovery on Saturday morning, along with another picture of its flags flying at half mast.

“Our hearts are broken for you and the loss of the love of your life and best mate,” the group said in a post extending its condolences to Mr Heard’s wife, Erica. “He died doing what he loves best, with the woman he loved the most.”

If confirmed as a crocodile attack, it would be the third in three weeks across north Queensland’s “croc country”, and the 12th fatal incident since 1985.