In a remarkable display of bravery and ingenuity, South African police have recovered the suspected remains of missing businessman Gabriel Batista from inside a massive crocodile using a daring helicopter operation.
The 59-year-old hotel owner disappeared on April 27 after being swept away by raging floodwaters while attempting to drive across a flooded bridge near the Komati River in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga province.
Rescue teams searched the crocodile-infested waters for days, suspecting that Batista had fallen victim to one of the river’s apex predators.
Using drones, authorities identified a 15-foot, approximately 500-kilogram Nile crocodile that appeared unusually swollen and lethargic, showing signs of recent feeding.
The reptile was euthanized on a remote island in the river to facilitate the recovery effort amid the presence of other dangerous crocodiles.
Captain Johan “Pottie” Potgieter, commander of the police dive team, volunteered for the high-risk mission, being lowered by rope from a South African National Parks helicopter into the hazardous area.
Potgieter courageously secured the deceased crocodile with a harness under extremely dangerous conditions.
The officer and the massive reptile were then hoisted together and airlifted to a safer location in Kruger National Park for examination.
Forensic experts performed a necropsy, discovering human remains including two severed arms, parts of a rib cage, and a distinctive ring believed to belong to Batista.
Additionally, several pairs of shoes not belonging to the victim were found inside the crocodile, raising concerns that it may have claimed multiple victims in the past.
Police have praised Potgieter’s heroism, with DNA tests underway to confirm the identity of the remains.
The operation highlights the dedication of South African law enforcement in bringing closure to grieving families even in the face of extreme peril.