Locals cross crocodile-infested river at spot where man was killed days earlier

Locals cross crocodile-infested river at spot where man was killed days earlier

Brave locals cross a crocodile-infested river as a monster reptile sunbathes on the banks - days after a local was killed at the same spot.

The four-metre long beast emerged from the Budong Budong river estuary in West Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, to bask in the hot sun on August 25.

It was just 50 metres from where rescue worker Arisanto, 25, was savaged by a crocodile while washing in the river on August 21.

Officials rounded up 11 crocodiles from the river amid fears of repeat attacks.

However, footage shows locals are still using small boats on the crocodile-infested river to reach the other side as it is quicker than travelling by road through nearby towns.

Onlooker Abdul Wahid said: "This is a usual sight here in our place.

We live among the crocodiles, but sometimes tragedy happens.

We have to continue our daily lives without worrying about them.'' Wahid added that some of their farm animals and other livestock such as cows and goats roam the area without getting harmed.

He said: "The residents here are not surprised, they say the important thing is that the crocodiles are not disturb." A few days earlier, Arisanto, 25, was found covered in bite wounds after being attacked by a crocodile while washing in the river.

He later died in hospital.

Due to the incident, the Regional Government of Central Mamuju Regency ordered the arrest of crocodiles in the Budong-Budong River.

A total of 11 crocodiles were caught on August 24, one of which was five metres long.

It is planned that the captured crocodiles will be moved to captivity after being rehabilitated at the wildlife centre.