Australian police are investigating whether a 19-year-old Canadian tourist found dead on a beach in Queensland drowned or was attacked by dingoes on K’Gari, a popular island destination off Australia’s northeast coast.
The woman’s body was discovered on Monday after she told friends she planned to go for a swim, Queensland Police said. Authorities have not released her identity pending notification of family.
Police said it is too early to determine how the young woman died and that all possibilities remain under investigation.
“At this stage it’s too early to confirm how the young lady lost her life. We are investigating all possibilities,” Queensland police inspector Paul Algie told reporters.
Algie said members of the public traveling along the beach noticed a group of dingoes near the scene and intervened. “People travelling down the beach noticed the group of dingoes, stopped very quickly and obviously scared those dingoes away and uncovered the young lady’s body,” he said.
K’Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, is home to one of Australia’s purest dingo populations. The animals roam freely across the island and have become increasingly accustomed to human presence, according to Queensland’s environment ministry.
Wildlife officials warn that while dingo attacks are rare, the animals are capable of serious injury and, in exceptional cases, fatalities, particularly involving children.
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The island, located off Queensland’s coast, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for its beaches, lakes, and camping sites. Authorities regularly urge tourists to follow strict safety guidelines, including avoiding swimming in unpatrolled waters and keeping distance from wildlife.
Police said a post-mortem examination would be conducted as part of the investigation, and the Canadian government has been notified of the death.
Investigators are expected to review witness accounts, environmental conditions, and forensic evidence before determining the cause of death. Officials said further updates would be provided once inquiries are complete.
