Media release

Missing girl – Lambells Lagoon – Update

Police

Police are continuing the search for an 11-year-old girl, previously reported to be 12 years, that went missing whilst swimming in Black Jungle Swamp at approximately 5:30 pm yesterday.

Four children, three females aged 11, 7, 10 and a 12-year-old male were swimming when one witnessed what is believed to be a crocodile tail and another saw a mouth of a crocodile.

The children immediately contacted their family who in turn contacted police.

Members from the Territory Response Section attended the scene and have been conducting ground and air searches.

Attending members have since located a pair of board shorts approximately 70 meters from where the incident is believed to have taken place.

Territory Duty Superintendent Michael Murphy has said that members have been working extremely hard to locate the missing girl.

"Members remained in attendance late into the night, wading through shoulder deep water that is full of obstacles, in an attempt to locate the 11-year-old.

"Police would like to remind media to respect the privacy of the family during this tragic time.

"I would also like to remind members of the public to use caution when choosing to swim in any body of water within the Top End, particularly during the wet season due to tidal fluctuations and rainfall that facilitates crocodile movement"

Police are continuing to work closely with Parks and Wildlife Rangers.

Further updates will be provided when available.


Media contact:
Amy Sloan
8922 3365