A teenager from 14 years suffered serious injuries after a crocodile attack while fishing in the waters of Cape Tribulationnorth of queenslandAustralia. The incident, which occurred on Saturday after 3 p.m., left the minor with injuries to his torso and leg, as confirmed by spokespersons for the Queensland Ambulance Service to local media.
Fortunately, the quick intervention of the local community prevented the tragedy from becoming greater. Nurses and residents of the area provided first aid and facilitated the transfer of the young man to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for his serious injuries.
The teenager was accompanied by two other young people and was fishing in waist-deep water when the animal suddenly attacked him. A spokesperson for Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), cited by Guardianspecified that the attack occurred about 140 kilometers north of Cairnsthe most populated city in the region.
After the event, the minor managed to get to a nearby accommodation called PKs Jungle Villagewhere he received immediate attention. Harry Hartleymanager of the establishment, said in dialogue with ABC that people came out of the rainforest to help: “The Cape community came together”. As detailed, he suffered wounds on one of his legs and also in the abdominal areaalthough he is out of danger.
He also highlighted People fortunate that the teenager was close to the property, which made attendance easier: “The boy was very lucky that he was on the beach and very close to the beachfront property. There is a boardwalk that connects the beach directly to PKs, so he didn’t have to go far.” In addition, the accommodation staff treated one of the minor’s friends, who was with him in the water during the attack.
The injured man was taken by helicopter to Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, where he was able to remain in stable condition for a few hours, a hospital spokesperson confirmed to Sky News Australia. The injuries were described as “consistent with a crocodile attack”according to Guardian.
The attack occurred in a context where crocodile sightings in the Cape Tribulation region are increasing. Likewise, it coincides with the beginning of the breeding season for these reptiles. Australia’s environment department reported that in the last month there had been four recent sightings in the area.
The official website warns that during this period males “become especially brazen when looking for a mate,” which increases the risk of dangerous encounters. After the incident, DETSI agents They deployed an intensive search in the area using drones and boats with reflectors, although they were unable to locate the animal responsible.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is keeping the investigation open and has reinforced warning signage at all beach accesses, adding temporary signs to permanent ones to alert visitors. In addition, the agency asks the population to report any sightings of crocodiles to reinforce security in the region.
The CEO of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), Natassia Wheeler, declared in dialogue with Guardian the importance of visitors receive objective and adequate information about the risks associated with local wildlife. The expert pointed out that the tourism industry actively promotes the education of tourists so that they understand natural dangers, while calling for avoiding media exaggeration of these incidents so as not to harm tourism operators.
The QTIC recently organized a round table with the media to address this issue and reinforce the need for responsible reporting. The area’s tourism industry insists on the importance of those visiting the region being informed and understanding the risks inherent to wildlife, just as they would in any destination in the world, and expresses its support for the affected young man and his family.
