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Body discovered on K'Gari beach
A 19-year-old Canadian woman was found dead on a remote Australian beach early Monday, surrounded by a group of wild dingoes, Queensland police confirmed.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was located near the Maheno shipwreck on K'Gari-an island off Australia's eastern coast-at approximately 06:30 local time (20:30 GMT Sunday).
Witnesses describe harrowing scene
Two men driving along the beach alerted authorities after spotting around 10 dingoes gathered around what they later realized was the woman's body, according to police inspector Paul Algie.
"It was obviously a very traumatic and horrific scene for them to uncover," Algie told local media.
Cause of death under investigation
While officials have not determined whether the woman drowned or was attacked by the dingoes, Algie noted that her body bore marks "consistent with having been touched and interfered with by the dingoes."
A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Wednesday to establish the exact cause of death.
Victim's final hours revealed
The woman, who had been working at a backpacker hostel for six weeks, told friends she planned to go for a swim at 05:00, Australia's ABC News reported.
"She was a young woman enjoying a beautiful part of the world, and that's what makes this such a tragedy," Algie said.
Dingoes a known risk on K'Gari
The island, a protected national park, is home to a population of wild dingoes-native dogs considered culturally significant but still dangerous if approached.
"K'gari is a wilderness area," Algie warned. "Dingoes are wild animals and need to be treated as such."
The Maheno shipwreck, where the body was found, has been a tourist attraction since the vessel ran aground in 1935.
