Searchers found the body of a Darwin man who took an ill-advised swim in a billabong in NT’s Mary River Wilderness Retreat.  Authorities recovered 26-year old Sean Cody's body in the pre-dawn hours in the area where he was last seen.  Mr. Cody was one of two male partygoers celebrating a friend’s birthday with a swim across the muddy Mary River, when he was taken by a 5-meter long Saltwater Crocodile.

“Our thoughts are with the family during this very difficult time,” said search and rescue co-ordinator, Senior Constable Wade Rodgers, who thanked staff and volunteers who performed the grim search.

Mary River Wilderness Retreat manager Erin Bayard also expressed sympathy for the family, and added the caveat for visitors:

“When you get here, you are told there are crocs, that the river is full of them.  Don't swim.  Stay at least five meters back from the river.  If people follow that advice, it is entirely safe.  We have never had an attack before this.”