Over the weekend, a man has been airlifted to Cairns Hospital after being attacked by a crocodileΒ while snorkelling offshore from Haggerstone Island. The 51-year-old Brisbane man from was bitten on the head and hand during the attack on Saturday in Cape York. The man was snorkelling from a vessel about 28km from the private island resort when the attack occurred. Other members of the group assisted him until he was flown by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Cairns Hospital. The patient has now issued a statement.
Statement from Marcus McGowan:
“On Saturday, 27 May after a morning out fishing, we anchored at the Charles Hardy Islands for lunch and a quick snorkel in crystal clear waters approx. 40km off the Cape York Coast. I was snorkelling with my wife and a group of friends and while checking out some coral and fish and talking to a fellow snorkeller, I was attacked from behind by a saltwater crocodile which got its jaws around my head.
I thought it was a shark but when I reached up I realised it was a crocodile. I was able to lever its jaws open just far enough to get my head out.
The crocodile then attempted to attack me a second time, but I managed to push it away with my right hand, which was then bitten by the croc.
I was able to escape the crocodileβs grip once again and swim to the safety of the boat which was coming after they heard our screams for help.
As this incident occurred so suddenly, I was unable to estimate the crocodileβs exact size, but believe it may have been a juvenile (2-3m long).
The vesselβs crew rushed me to Haggerstone Island approximately 45 minutes away where I was administered first aid en-route by my mate who I was snorkelling with. He is a fireman so he knew what he was doing. He bandaged me up and also had to give me antibiotic shots to prevent any infection.
An emergency helicopter arrived to transport me to Thursday Island Hospital for treatment, where I was assessed; and I was later taken to Cairns Hospital for further treatment to my scalp lacerations and puncture wounds on my head and hand.
I live on the Gold Coast and am a keen surfer and diver, and understand that when you enter the marine environment, you are entering territory that belongs to potentially dangerous animals, such as sharks and crocodiles.
I was simply in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Iβm just grateful it was me and not one of the kids or ladies in the group.
I want to thank everyone who has helped me during this ordeal, including staff at Haggerstone Island Resort, rescue helicopter crew, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Thursday Island and Cairns hospitals.
I have discussed this incident with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
While I concentrate on recovering from my injuries, I am asking media to please respect my privacy.”
