Malaysian Fisherman Killed in Crocodile Attack While Fishing With Family

The body of a fisherman, Jacob Tuan, has been found after he was dragged into a river by a crocodile

A 32-year-old fisherman, Jacob Tuan, was tragically killed after being attacked and dragged into a river by a crocodile in Malaysia. The fatal incident occurred while he was fishing for catfish late at night with his family.

According to authorities, the attack took place near a riverbank where Tuan had cast his fishing line. His family members, who witnessed the horrifying event, said a crocodile leapt from the water after catching on the fishing wire and clamped onto Tuan’s waist, pulling him underwater.

Rescue teams launched a desperate overnight search for Tuan

Tuan’s father-in-law, Idi Rengkang, 50, described the terrifying moment: “Jacob was pulling in the line when it suddenly snapped. Then a crocodile struck and grabbed him at the waist. He shouted, ‘Abak! (Dad)’ and then there was silence.” Rengkang himself was struck by the crocodile’s tail during the attack but survived.

A search-and-rescue (SAR) operation was launched immediately after the family reported the incident. Tuan’s body was recovered on Friday afternoon, less than 1,000 feet from where he was taken. Authorities confirmed the body bore multiple bite wounds.

Padawan District Police Chief, Superintendent Irwan Hafiz Mohd Radzi, stated that the remains were sent to Sarawak General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The case is currently being treated as a sudden death. Officials believe the predator involved was a saltwater crocodile, a species commonly found in Malaysia’s mangrove areas and rivers.

The killer was most likely a saltwater crocodile which are common along mangroves and rivers in Malaysia

The tragic attack comes amid a string of crocodile-related incidents across the region.

In the Philippines, a 29-year-old tourist sustained severe injuries after climbing into a crocodile enclosure to take a photo, mistakenly believing the 15-foot reptile was a statue. The crocodile bit into his arm and dragged him before onlookers intervened. He survived but required more than 50 stitches.

In another incident in South Africa, a seven-year-old boy, Johandre Blom, lost his left arm after being attacked by a crocodile while playing in the water near his parents at Roodekoppies Dam in Brits. His father managed to rescue him while the animal continued to circle in the water. The child survived but was left with life-altering injuries.

As crocodile attacks increase, authorities continue to urge the public to remain cautious in areas known to be inhabited by these dangerous reptiles.