human remains found inside crocodile believed to be missing fisherman Andrew Heard

A necropsy was performed on the 4.2-metre crocodile after it was caught and euthanised on Saturday.

A specialist examined the animal and found human remains inside it.

Police are now preparing a report for the coroner.

Andrew Heard was last seen on Thursday afternoon after he set off in his 2.5-metre dinghy, headed toward the north-west side of Hinchinbrook Island, north of Townsville.

His wife alerted authorities that evening when he failed to return to their yacht and was not responding to her via radio.

Mr Heard's dinghy was found capsized and damaged in the early hours of Friday morning during an aerial and water search around the island.

The crocodile was found close to where the Mr Heard's boat was discovered.

Police said experts who examined the dinghy determined it was highly likely a crocodile had been involved.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) found human remains in the area on Friday night but the crocodile was not located until Saturday.

In a tweet, DES said: "Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time following confirmation from [Queensland police] that the crocodile captured yesterday is believed to be the animal involved in the disappearance of a man."

"A necropsy was completed overnight."

The police investigation into the fatal attack is continuing.