Australian fisherman pokes crocodile in the eyes to escape attack
- The 44-year-old was spearfishing in an area of northern Queensland known as ‘croc country’ when he was attacked by the 4.6-metre long reptile
- The crocodile bit him three times and ‘dragged him to the bottom’, a spokeswoman for the state’s emergency ambulance service said
The 44-year-old man was spearfishing at Archer Point near Cooktown when he was attacked by the reptile on Saturday, Australian outlet Nine News reported.
“It has bitten him three times and dragged him to the bottom,” Valerie Noble of Queensland Ambulance Service told the outlet.
“He’s managed to – according to him – stick his fingers in the crocodile’s eyes multiple times and escape before swimming towards the shore.”
The man suffered injuries to his head, abdomen, and legs and was airlifted to Cairns Hospital.
He is in a stable condition and is in good spirits, according to the Australian outlet.
“He’s an extremely lucky man, not many people would live to tell a story like that,” Noble said.
A Queensland Department of Environment and Science spokesman told news.com.au that the incident will be investigated by wildlife officers, who will seek to confirm if the reptile is still in the area.
“The information provided to DES suggests the man reportedly suffered serious injuries,” he said.
“Archer Point is known as croc country. Remember, you are responsible for your own safety in croc country.”
