The search for a man missing in croc-infected waters off the Northern Territory coast has been called off after police found DNA evidence.
Police say the 28-year-old is dead after the boat he was on capsized on Saturday near Wadeye, about 400 kilometres southwest of Darwin.
"After an intensive three-and-a-half-day air, land and sea search that involved police, Parks and Wildlife, NTES volunteers, local rangers and community, the missing man has not been located," Superintendent Kirk Pennuto said on Wednesday.
"The search effort has been exhaustive and has identified evidence, including DNA evidence, that the missing man is no longer alive."
The waters off Wadeye are known to be challenging, with a large number of saltwater crocodiles.
Authorities say a large crocodile was removed from the search area on Tuesday.
"The man's family is being offered welfare and pastoral support. Our thoughts are with them," Supt Pennuto said
The boat rolled over in a channel between the mainland near Old Mission and Dorcherty Island to the north about 7.30pm.
Two other fishermen on the boat swam to shore after about an hour in the water.
They were treated by local clinic staff for shock and exposure but were otherwise unharmed.
All three men were from Wadeye.
