A woman from Simeulue Regency, Indonesia, died after a crocodile attack while collecting shellfish in a river, local authorities said.
The victim, identified as Jusmitawati, 36, was a resident of Bulu Hadek Village in the Teluk Dalam District of Aceh. She was attacked while searching for shellfish in the Luan Boya River with two friends.
According to Teluk Dalam Police Chief Zainur Fauzi, the incident occurred on Sunday, 15 February 2026. He said Jusmitawati moved alone towards the middle of the river while her companions remained on the bank.
“She suddenly disappeared into the river and was not seen again,” Zainur Fauzi said, as quoted from RRI.
Her friends and local residents began searching shortly after she went missing. Initial efforts did not locate her.
Crocodile Captured by Residents
Residents later saw a crocodile surface with what appeared to be a human body in its jaws. Attempts were made to rescue the victim using bamboo poles, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
Villagers subsequently captured a crocodile measuring about four metres in length. Witnesses said the animal resisted before it was subdued and brought ashore.
After the crocodile was secured, residents cut open its stomach. Human remains were recovered from inside the animal.
Rasmanudin, Chairman of the Simeulue Regional People’s Representative Council, confirmed the discovery at the scene.
“After catching the crocodile, we cut open its stomach, and inside it we found the head, hands, and cloth, and it was confirmed that these were the remains of the deceased,” he said, as reported by RCTI+.
Incident Draws Public Attention and Safety Warning
A video related to the incident circulated widely on social media. The footage drew public attention both locally and internationally.
Police said Jusmitawati had been collecting shellfish, a common activity among residents in river and estuary areas. These waterways are known habitats for estuarine crocodiles.
Local officials urged residents to exercise caution when entering rivers, especially in areas where crocodiles are known to live.
Police confirmed that the victim was accompanied by friends at the time of the incident, but entered deeper water alone before disappearing. Search efforts by residents continued until the crocodile was located and captured.
