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Woman Tries In Vain To Pry Friend From Crocodile’s Jaws, Friend Feared Dead In Crocodile Attack

By Tara West
Published on: 12:13 PST, May 29, 2016

A woman claims that she was taking a late night swim with a friend when they were suddenly attacked by a crocodile. The pair were swimming at Thornton Beach in the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park in Australia when the crocodile attack took place. The women were from out-of-town and reportedly did not know that the area was known for having a large crocodile population. As the women went for a swim, the surviving friend says they suddenly felt something brush against them in the water. Within moments, the other friend began screaming and was dragged into the water.

The Telegraph reports that a 46-year-old woman is presumed dead after a crocodile attack in Daintree National Park. Two friends, ages 46 and 43, went for a late night swim in an area known for having crocodiles. However, since the pair were not locals, it appears they did not realize the danger that lurked within the waters. As the women began swimming, the surviving 43-year-old friend says that they felt something brush against them underneath the water. Shortly after, the woman’s 46-year-old companion was screaming and being dragged away into the waters.

The friend says she tried to grab her friend but was unable to pry her from the crocodile’s jaws.

“The report that we have from the surviving woman is that they felt a nudge and her partner started to scream and then was dragged into the water.”

The surviving friend immediately ran for help and a rescue helicopter fitted with thermal imaging equipment was sent to the scene. Sadly, the equipment could not trace the woman and her body has yet to be recovered. However, the area is known for crocodile attacks and the woman is presumed dead.

ABC News Australia notes that Senior Constable Russell Parker is not shocked about the attack noting that the particular area where the woman was taken is known for exceptionally large crocodiles. However, he says the women may not have realized the danger as it was a clear and beautiful night when the incident took place.

“They had been walking along the beach and they’ve decided to go for a swim just in waist-deep water at Thornton Beach and probably a very nice, clear night, but obviously may not have been aware of the dangers.”

The friend of the crocodile attack victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment of an abrasion on her arm that she sustained when the crocodile’s body rubbed against her but is physically well. However, it was revealed the woman seems to be suffering from shock following the horrifying ordeal.

Neil Noble from the Queensland Ambulance Service notes that large crocodiles frequent the area and that visitors should be aware of their surroundings and stay away from the waterways.

“The whole of Cairns and up into the Cape is known for its large crocodiles. Certainly one has to be very careful around our waterways. Stay well away from the water when you can, especially when you can’t see. Just be very mindful that they are out there and that they can get you really quickly.”

It was also reported that other deaths have taken place in the same waters due to crocodile attacks. In 2009, a 5-year-old little boy was killed by a crocodile when he was taken by the croc in a swamp near his home. In 1985, a 43-year-old woman was also killed by a crocodile in this area after she was attacked while swimming in a creek.

[Image via Shutterstock]

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