(WJW) – Authorities in Australia are investigating after a 19-year-old was found dead surrounded by a pack of dingoes on a beach early Monday morning.
Just after 6:30 a.m., officers responded to the island of K’gari, north of the famed Maheno shipwreck, for reports of someone unresponsive on the beach, Queensland Police said in a press release.
According to 9 News Australia, investigators said two men driving nearby noticed a pack of 10 dingoes surrounding something. When they got closer, the witnesses realized it was a woman.
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“It was obviously a very dramatic and horrific scene for them to uncover,” Wide Bay District Inspector Paul Algie told 9 News.
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Queensland Police said the victim was pronounced dead soon after officers got there.
A preliminary investigation revealed the woman, a Canadian national who was staying with others at a backpackers’ hostel, went out for a swim around 5 a.m.
Investigators told 9 News that the victim had dingo bites on her body. However, the exact cause of death remains under investigation at this time.
“Police are appealing to anyone who may have relevant information, including dash cam vision or witnessed anything to come forward,” Queensland Police said in the release.
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According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, is the world’s largest sand island.
Queensland government officials estimate that up to 30 dingo packs live on K’gari. They warn that dingoes can be dangerous to humans and recommend visitors follow these guidelines to stay safe.
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