A desperate search is ongoing in northern Australia for a 12-year-old child feared to have been taken by a crocodile. The incident occurred near the remote town of Nganmarriyanga, approximately a 7-hour drive southwest of Darwin in the Northern Territory (NT). Initial reports indicated that the child was attacked by a crocodile while swimming in Mango Creek around dusk on Tuesday.

Local community members, along with police and a specialist search and rescue team, immediately began searching the area. Additional officers have joined the effort, conducting searches both on land and in water. An aerial search is also being considered.

NT Police Minister Brent Potter stated that the operation has now entered the "recovery phase." He emphasized the tragic nature of the incident and reiterated safety messages regarding crocodile-infested waters. Wildlife officers have been authorized to remove the crocodile from the area once located.

The NT is known for its large population of saltwater crocodiles, and while attacks are uncommon, they can be fatal.