A four-metre crocodile believed to be behind a fatal attack on a missing fisherman in north Queensland has been captured and killed, after human remains were found.
Police, SES and wildlife officers had been searching for the missing 69-year-old since he went fishing in a creek on Hinchinbrook Island about 3pm on Thursday.
The man was due back after an hour but failed to return and could not be contacted by radio, prompting his wife to call police.
His boat was found on Friday morning damaged and upside down in Gayundah Creek on the southwestern side of the island, located between Cairns and Townsville.
The damage to the boat indicated it was "highly likely" a crocodile was involved, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) said on Friday.
Human remains were found in the area by wildlife officers on Friday night, the DES and Queensland Police confirmed in a statement.
"At this stage, police believe the remains are those of the missing man, however forensic testing will be required to confirm this," it said.
The search for more remains continues, but wildlife officers have since located a four-metre crocodile near where the man's boat was found.
"Officers have humanely euthanised the animal and it has been transported back to the mainland," a DES statement said.
A necropsy will be conducted on the animal.
