Lizard Island croc attack that wasn’t
Meeting turns into an awkward environment
A SNORKELLER who claimed he was attacked by a crocodile at Lizard Island on the weekend may have simply hit his head on a rock and been confused about the culprit.
Environment Minister Steven Miles revealed to reporters yesterday there was no evidence the man, who was reported to have swum into a saltwater crocodile at the popular holiday destination on the weekend, had encountered one of the dangerous reptiles.
The man had apparently suffered minor cuts and abrasions to his head and was treated by nurses at Lizard Island Resort after the incident near Watson’s Inlet on Sunday.
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection initially said it appeared the man may have inadvertently swum into a croc while snorkelling, and the animal had reacted defensively.
However Mr Miles said rangers who had travelled to the island found “something else may have happened there”.
“The wildlife officers were unable to locate a crocodile that would support the earlier reports,” he said.
“The wildlife officers are of the view that there isn’t a crocodile there.”
He said the victim was a crew member on board a dive boat and wildlife officers had consulted the medical professionals who had treated him.
“The advice we have received from the wildlife officers who have spoken to him and who have spoken to the healthcare professionals is that his injuries are not consistent with a crocodile attack.”
Crocodiles have been present at the island, with another snorkeller attacked by one there in December 2015.
While in Cairns yesterday, the Minister presented Mulgrave Landcare with $25,000 towards revegetating former cane farms in the catchment.
He also met with Mareeba, Douglas and Cassowary Coast councils to speak about concerns they had over crocodile management in the Far North.
“We’ll get advice on their proposals, and we’ll incorporate that into the plan where it’s appropriate,” he said.
“All of these councils were consulted during the preparation of the previous plan.
“This new contribution they’re asking for, it didn’t come up in the consultation with us just a few months ago.”