Residents of Thaa Buruni have been urged to exercise caution following the sighting of what is believed to be a crocodile in the island's lagoon on Wednesday night.

Local authorities issued the warning through community channels on January 15, 2025, advising residents, particularly those engaging in night-time activities at sea, to remain alert. 

Crocodile sightings are not new to the area - Buruni island’s first recorded encounter occurred in 1985, involving a 10-foot-long reptile with teeth measuring approximately 1.5 inches. Later that year, a smaller crocodile was also spotted. 

Similar sightings have occasionally been reported in other parts of Thaa Atoll over the years.