Native Saves Islander from Large-sized Crocodile

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 81, 6 April 1938, Page 16

Native Saves Islander from Large-sized Crocodile

MAN BADLY MAULED. SYDNEY March 12. With, one of his arms in the jaws of a giant crocodile, a Koepang Islander had a terrible tight for his life in a much-used bathing place at Darwin. He was dragged from the water when th- crocodile had let him go and, had begun a fresh attack, and he was taken to hospital with his arm shockingly mauled. In company with a number of Japanese and Koopangers employed in the Darwin pearling fleets, the native was casting a net for fish, being in the water up to his knees, when the crocodile seized him by the thigh and attempted to drag him into deep water. He beat off the monster and commenced a staggering run for the shore. He was a few yards away when the crocodile returned to attack him and grabbed him by the right arm. The victims screams brought an aboriginal running to his aid. The aboriginal flung himself on the crocodile, which, scared by the sudden noise, released its hold and disappeared. From the extent of the teeth marks it is estimated that the crocodile was about 12 feet long. Two crocodiles, one 9 feet long and the other 10 feet long, have been caught in the vicinity within the last few weeks. Although several people have had narrow scapes and stock has been taken in nearby creeks, this is the first reported case of a crocodile attacking a maijL in Darwin for many months. The pearling crews made a habit of bathing in these shallows after work each evening, and the crocodile apparently waited patiently for days for its opportunity.