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British journalist killed by crocodile during holiday in SL

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15 September 2017 10:58 am - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A Financial Times journalist has died after he was dragged underwater by a crocodile while on holiday in Sri Lanka, foreign media reported.

Paul McClean, 25, has been identified as the British man killed by the animal in a lagoon known as Crocodile Rock.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan police said in a statement that a British national, who went to bathe in the sea at Panama with a group of friends, had gone missing and the police and the navy were searching for the missing person.

According to the Telegraph, it is believed that Mr McClean left his friends to go to the toilet, and the beast ambushed him when he dipped his hands into the water to wash them.

One of his colleagues at the FT told the Telegraph: ‘We’re all totally stunned. He was a great kid, an Everton fan, super bright. It’s an absolute tragedy.’

Mr McClean grew up in Thames Ditton, Surrey, and graduated from Oxford University with a First in French in 2015.

Witnesses of the incident reportedly saw him ‘waving his hands in the air’ in desperation before he was pulled below the surface by the crocodile.

It is believed he only arrived in the country a few days before.

A Scot who is on holiday in the area but wished to remain anonymous said: ‘People last saw his arms in the air in the water and then was grabbed under. I was there but didn’t see it happen though. Horrible.


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  Comments - 13

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  • Devasted Friday, 15 September 2017 11:14 AM

    so sad.

    Arnold Friday, 15 September 2017 11:18 AM

    Why wasn't there any warning??

    Pity Friday, 15 September 2017 12:07 PM

    "CROCODILE ROCK", But, the tourists should have been informed of the danger.

    sanjaya Friday, 22 September 2017 09:13 AM

    crocs are smart creatures. They can spread faster than our Local Governments< with all their finantial regulations can put up warning signs. Also hard to spot them early as they are elusive creatures. Would you believe me if i tell you there are crocs in the Diyawannawa lake?So never try bathing at the Diyawannawa as well.FYI

    Thanos Friday, 15 September 2017 11:32 AM

    Oh dear! This is really sad. RIP Mr. Paul McClean.

    max Friday, 15 September 2017 11:36 AM

    Sorry to hear this horrible story. People, both local and foreign, should take this sad incident as a lesson. Never should step down to water in an unknown area. Wish you, Mr. Paul McClean never meet a similar fate during the journey of Samsara!

    lanka007 Friday, 15 September 2017 01:50 PM

    Is this the media freedom of Sri Lanka. Journalists being dragged alive and eaten..??

    Scooby Doo Friday, 15 September 2017 04:23 PM

    Yes its an absolute tragedy. RIP Bro. Just now I came to know about this place and I googled.I was able to see some warning signs in that area through photos. Oh its Horrible.I was deeply saddened to hear.

    Singh Friday, 15 September 2017 07:10 PM

    You Sri Lankan civilians living in Britain are harassed by the racist whites on a daily basis just like other brown skin civilians,one white guy eaten by a crocodile and whole Sri Lanka is crying.

    SL Friday, 15 September 2017 07:26 PM

    no one should die in this way.poor fellow. RIP

    Kadiya Friday, 15 September 2017 07:59 PM

    If they don't allow people to get rid of marauding crocks at least put a warning sign so nobody will fall victim to them.

    MOHAMED jiffery Sunday, 17 September 2017 08:39 AM

    So Sad mate you just came to another country and lost your life. - RIP -

    Preventer Friday, 22 September 2017 10:41 AM

    The wild life department don't act quickly,they may be waiting to get the cabinet approval to put a warningboard as danger area of Crocks,not to bathe.If one their family members get caught means you can see the warning board forthwith.Preventive is better than cure.


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