Fears for missing late-night swimmer on the Gold Coast
Police believe human remains found in north Queensland are those of a fisherman feared to have been attacked by a crocodile.
The remains were found by wildlife officers last night during their search for the missing man on Hinchinbrook Island north of Townsville.
Forensic testing is yet to be conducted, but it is believed the remains are those of the fisherman.
READ MORE: 'Highly likely' missing Queensland fisherman attacked by crocodile
© Queensland PoliceQueensland Parks and Wildlife Service were called in to help after the fisherman's damaged dinghy was found near the mouth of the Gayundah Creek.
The 69-year-old was last seen about 3pm on Thursday but the alarm was raised when he did not return from a fishing trip in Gayundah Creek.
When he didn't return and his wife was unable to reach him via radio, she contacted police.
At 2.30am Friday, they found his 2.5 metre dinghy - damaged and overturned - near the mouth of Gayundah Creek on the southwestern side of Hinchinbrook Island.
© Queensland PoliceThe man is believed to have been killed by the crocodile.
The boat has since been examined by experts from the Environment Department, who say it's highly likely a crocodile was involved in the man's disappearance.
Police, SES volunteers, Coast Guard personnel, officers from the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and local fishermen continue to search the area.
DES officers said this afternoon they had found and euthanized a 4m croc this afternoon.
"A necropsy will be conducted in due course," they said in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with the family at this time," police said in a statement.
© Queensland PoliceAuthorities now say it's