Paul McClean, a Financial Times journalist, was holidaying with friends
A British man has died after being attacked by a crocodile in Sri Lanka, police and his employer have confirmed.
Paul McClean, a Financial Times journalist from Thames Ditton in Surrey, was dragged into a river near Arugam Bay, according to witnesses.
Fawas Lafeer, former chairman at the Arugam Bay Surf Club, said the 24-year-old Oxford University graduate had been washing his hands in the river before he was attacked.
Lafeer added that it is the "first-known crocodile attack in Sri Lanka", and that crocodiles don't usually venture so close to the beach because the salt water turns them blind.
"A local fisherman witnessed a man being dragged into a river, set back from the beach, by a crocodile," Lafeer told local media (via BBC ).
"The fisherman was on the opposite side of the river and downstream of the incident location. The police were called immediately.
"This is the first-known crocodile attack in Sri Lanka. Both tourists and locals surf at Elephant Rock, which is a beautiful secluded beach and very safe.
"Crocodiles in Sri Lanka live only in the fresh, back waters of the jungle. It is almost unheard of for them to come close to the beach. The salt water actually turns them blind.
"Local search and rescue teams are working alongside the police and British Embassy in an attempt to locate the man's body."
Local police have confirmed that McClean's body was found in a lagoon by a Sri Lankan Navy search team.
Financial Times editor Lionel Barber paid tribute to McLean on Twitter : "Paul McClean was an outstanding young journalist with a great future at the FT. We will miss him sorely."
Meanwhile, McClean's colleague added: "The desk to my left is empty. This is a sad time. My heart goes to the friends and family of the charming @PSMcClean .
"Paul spent his last days in the office laughing at stupid stuff on the internet and trying to convince me he looked like Daniel Craig."
McClean's body was identified by friends he was holidaying with in Sri Lanka, and the final cause of death had yet to be established.
Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.
Why do we still let famous men profit from abuse?
Who is Laura Gallacher, Russell Brand's wife?
Russell Brand verdict finds him guilty of rape
George and William caught breaking big royal rule
Kate "tired of walking on eggshells" for Camilla
Who is Bridgeen Hagans and where is she now?
Wait, is Trump now powerless? A 3-minute explainer
Netflix's Taken: Where is Joran van der Sloot now?
Lip reader reveals King Charles' awkward moment
Mogging crowned Word of the Year: what it means
Harry's “respectful” move to get Kate back on side
What Kate Middleton is like behind-the-scenes
Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
©2026 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Registered in England 112955. All Rights Reserved.
Loading comments…