Former radio host goes missing in crocodile-infested waters

A search is underway in northern Australia after a former radio host went missing while on a solo fishing trip in crocodile-infested waters.

The alarm was raised when Roman Butchaski did not return to his campsite on Sunday. Some of his belongings have since been found near a river on Queensland’s remote Cape York Peninsula.

Mr. Butchaski, known as Butch, is an avid angler and former presenter of the fishing show on Sydney radio station 2GB. His former co-presenter Gavin Pitchford told 2GB his friend, although a Sydney local, regularly visited the Olive River site, about 600 kilometers north of Cairns.

“I am devastated. Butchy walks the benches up there regularly. He has been fishing there forever,” said an on-air statement.

Mr. Pitchford also said he feared Mr. Butchaski, who has diabetes, had suffered a medical episode. On Tuesday, police announced that more officers would be dispatched to the area to assist in the search.

Helicopters and ground rescue teams have been combing the region since being alerted on Sunday night. Police say Mr. Butchaski’s car was found in the river. Local media reports that some fishing gear was also discovered.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Duane Amos told reporters the region is a known crocodile habitat, but added that Mr. Butchaski knew the area.

“He was well prepared for a normal expedition that he has done before,” the policeman said on Monday.

Crocodiles are abundant in Australia’s tropical north, and while crocodile attacks in the country are rare, there have been several this year. In February, rangers shot a 4.2m crocodile that attacked a man and ate his dog at a remote boat ramp north of Cairns.

And in May, the remains of fisherman Kevin Darmody, 65, were found inside a 4.1m crocodile in the nearby Kennedy River, the 13th fatal attack in Queensland since record-keeping began in 1985 .

The search for Mr. Butchaski continues, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.

the mail Former radio host goes missing in crocodile-infested waters appeared first NewsGPT.ai.

SOURCE LINK HERE