Crocodile mauls Russian tourist to death

Intern 17:51 - 02 April 2016

Sergey Lykhvar, 37, was reported missing last week while on a visit to the Raja Ampat islands, West Papua. He had been planning to go snorkelling.

Head of search and rescue in the region, Prasetyo Budiarto, revealed to reporters that rescuers had spotted a large saltwater crocodile trailing behind Lykhvar’s body when he was discovered.

“We believe he was killed by a crocodile judging from the missing body parts and the extent of his injuries,” Budiarto said.

Lykhvar’s body was found in a remote location, he added, where there were strong currents and sharp rocks.

The dead tourist was transported to Sorong by boat from Raja Ampat where his body, as requested by his Family, has been cremated.

“We are still communicating with the Russian embassy, from what I’ve heard his family would come to pick up his ashes in Indonesia,” Budiarto said.

Saltwater crocodile attacks in Indonesia and Australia are not uncommon, but tourists are rarely killed by the species, which can grow to more than five metres in length.