THERE was not a dry eye on the Daintree River yesterday.

More than 100 people in river cruisers and recreational fishing boats paid heartfelt tributes to five-year-old crocodile victim Jeremy Doble.

Boats anchored in front of the family’s Daintree Rivertrain pontoon for the memorial service.

The sounds of an acoustic guitar filled the area as mourners paid tribute to a life cut tragically short.

Daintree resident Martin Visser, who attended the memorial service, said it was a fitting tribute.

"All the boats lined up and a guy played on the guitar, everybody went alongside and said a few words and there was not a dry eye," the former Dragonfly Cafe owner said. "Something like this shouldn’t have happened.

"All the locals, sort of one by one, as the boats went past, they gave them (parents Steven and Sharon Doble) a hug and cuddle hoping everything will get better for them."

Mr Visser described Jeremy’s parents as very strong and said it’s ripped the heart out of most people.

"We’ve all got kids and grandkids," he said. "You tell kids a thousand times don’t go near the edge, you know, the little ones."

Teachers and students from Wonga Beach State School also paid their respects to a child they described as a lovely little boy.

One of his teachers said she wanted to go to the ceremony to show her support for the family and to remember Jeremy.

The family had requested that people not bring flowers.

Jeremy disappeared on February 8 while playing with his brother, Ryan, 7, and their dog in a flooded creek.

Last week, police confirmed the boy’s remains were found in a 4.3m crocodile.

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