Crocodile mauls man in horrific Wangi Falls attack as other tourists scramble for safety
Swimmer is mauled by a crocodile at a popular NT tourist spot, leading other tourists to seek safety
- Man in his 60s mauled by crocodile at swimming spot
- About 80 people fled the water for their lives
A man has been mauled by a seven-foot saltwater crocodile at a popular swimming spot in the Northern Territory.
About 80 people fled the Top End swimming spot at Wangi Falls, an hour south of Darwin in scenic Litchfield National Park, following the Monday afternoon attack.
The man, believed to be in his 60s, suffered flesh wounds on his arms that were treated by an off-duty nurse before he could be taken to hospital, police said. NT News.
About 80 people fled the Top End swimming spot at Wangi Falls, an hour south of Darwin, in scenic Litchfield National Park after the Monday afternoon attack
Rangers said the beast was about six feet tall (stock image)
Off-duty Tasmania senior police officer Taneka Starr was swimming in the falls with about 80 other people when she heard the commotion.
“My family and kids were swimming in the water when people started screaming for everyone to get out,” she told the Mercury.
“We formed a circle together to make sure we all got out of the water safely as a group, especially the kids.
“It was quite a terrifying experience.”
A witness told 7News that the victim had to be rescued from the water with a small boat.
Dean McAdam, director of the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security for Northern Australian Parks, said park rangers had confirmed the man had been attacked by a saltwater crocodile.
It is estimated that the crocodile is about 2 meters long. Rangers work with the Crocodile Management Team to remove the animal. Further crocodile surveys will then be conducted prior to reopening,” he said.
The popular swimming spot is closed and people are urged not to enter the water.