Indonesian Man Killed in Crocodile Attack While Bathing with Family in South Sulawesi

Arifuddin, 53, was bathing in the river when he was attacked and killed by a crocodile

A 53-year-old man was killed in a terrifying crocodile attack while bathing in a river with family members in Wajo Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The victim, identified as Arifuddin, was in the Bulete River on Thursday when the large crocodile suddenly emerged and clamped its jaws around his leg.

Witnesses reported hearing Arifuddin’s screams as he desperately tried to reach the riverbank while the crocodile maintained its grip. Several villagers attempted to pull him to safety, but he was dragged beneath the water before anyone could reach him.

Brave rescuers battled the beast to retrieve the father-of-four's body for burial

Emergency crews rushed to the scene around 6 p.m. local time. Later, locals spotted the crocodile carrying Arifuddin’s body through the muddy waters. The reptile remained in the area for several hours, swimming in circles before resting along the riverbank approximately one mile from the location of the attack.

Residents managed to trap the crocodile and recover partial remains of the victim. They eventually drove the animal away by throwing rocks.

Horrifying footage showed the moment a crocodile killed a man in front of his family

A local police officer confirmed that Arifuddin had been bathing with relatives when the attack occurred and that his remains were recovered about a mile downstream from the original attack site. Villagers expressed shock, stating that the river, commonly used for bathing and washing clothes, had never been considered a crocodile habitat.

The fatal incident follows a series of crocodile attacks in Indonesia this year. In April, a 49-year-old man named Sarangadi was killed after being dragged underwater by a crocodile while friends attempted to rescue him. In March, 10-year-old Fikri Qurniawansyah was fatally mauled while playing in a river in Riau province.

The 53-year-old was bathing in South Sulawesi, Indonesia