A crocodile is the suspect in the death of a 49-year-old Cairns fisherman and barge skipper. Queensland police said on Wednesday that they suspect a reptile after they recovered the body of David Fordson with signs of injury caused by a marine animal.

The incident is believed to have happened while Mr Fordson was snorkeling off a remote Cape York Island. He was initially reported missing by his crewmates from the commercial barge that Fordson skippered. Police found his body, float and speargun on Monday afternoon.

Stacie Boccalate, the partner of Fordson for 17 years, said that the fisherman was an experienced diver who was also a happy and jovial person.

The suspect behind Mr Fordson's death is a 4-metre saltwater crocodile that lives on a nearby island. Residents said the reptile, which has been living on the part for years, is very territorial.

Queensland police, however, are not ruling out a reef shark attack.