One-year-old boy eaten alive by crocodile in front of father after being snatched from fishing canoe

A one-year-old boy has died after being eaten by a crocodile.

It has been reported that the young boy, from Malaysia, was in a canoe while his father was fishing off the coast of Lahad Datu in Sabah on Thursday morning (June 19) when the attack happened.

The father is said to have tried to wrestle his son from the crocodile's clutches, but sadly it was to no avail.

He was injured in the process and had to be helped by fellow villagers out of the water.

Sumsoa Rashid, head of the Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Agency, said: "The father suffered serious head and body injuries. His son is still missing and search operations are ongoing. The man has been taken to the Lahad Datu Hospital for medical treatment."

The father had been fishing by the water when his one-year-old son was attacked by a crocodile (Viral Press)

Sumsoa added: "Many residents there rely on the river for their food and livelihood so they need to go into the water.

"We have warned them of the extra dangers at the moment and to be especially careful because the crocodile is likely to be still in the area."

The Royal Malaysian Police are said to be looking for the baby boy's body.

While rare, crocodile attacks do sadly happen and they often end up fatal.

Back in 2022, a crocodile had to be shot dead by Australian officials after it attacked a woman. The woman, who was 38 at the time of the attack, was thought to have been swimming in the water at Butler Cove, Lake Argyle, when the incident occurred.

Reportedly the crocodile was a 'problem animal' which led to it being 'destroyed'.

Crocodiles are believed to be responsible for around 1,000 human deaths a year (Getty Stock Image)

The Department of Biodiversity and Conservation said at the time: "Both the behaviour of a crocodile approaching the boat and the events of the previous day is consistent with what staff would identify as a problem animal.

“In order to ensure public safety in the popular recreation and swimming area and with consideration to large community events such as the annual Lake Argyle swim taking place this weekend, staff destroyed the animal."

More recently, a tourist in the Philippines who visited Kabug Mangrove Park and Wetlands zoo was attacked by a croc after climbing over a fence to see what he believed to be a statue of the animal.

This was far from the case however, and he ended up being attacked. Fortunately, he lived to tell the tale.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.