Archer Pt croc remains elusive

The crocodile that attacked a man at Archer Point south of Cooktown has remained elusive as wildlife officers scale down their search for the snappy reptile.

Wildlife officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) arrived at the location on Sunday evening to start investigations surrounding the attack, searching for the crocodile that may have been involved.

A Department of Environment and Science spokesman confirmed officers conducted a spotlight search on Monday night of waters at Archer Point, and did not identify the target animal but they did observe many turtles in the area which crocodiles hunt.

“The search included more than four kilometres of coastline.”

Officers spoke to the victim on Tuesday, and based on his account and other information gathered, indications are the animal was moving through the area and feeding on turtles.

The department confirmed rangers would continue to monitor the area.

“Yuku Baja Muliku rangers and Traditional Owners will continue to monitor the Archer Point area for the presence of crocodiles,” the spokesman said.

The area around Archer Point is well-known for its reptilian inhabitants and locals were not surprised by the news of an attack.

Jonathan Sterckx is an administrator for the Cairns Spearo’s spearfishing group and said he had a close friend who had come face-to-face with a large crocodile at the location.

“That particular area is known for its large resident croc and anyone diving there solo is either blissfully unaware or has little regard for their own life,” he said.

The man who was attacked remains in Cairns Hospital in a stable condition.