CROC BADASS21
Sister’s praise for twin who thumped reptile to save Mel
US Editor THE woman who saved her twin from a crocodile attack had to fight off the beast three times before getting her sister to safety.
Georgia Laurie swam to Melissa’s rescue after seeing her in the jaws of the reptile while in a Mexican lagoon.
The 28-year-old then repeatedly punched the crocodile to get it to release her.
The identical twins’ sister Hana, 33, told how Georgia started pulling Melissa to the safety of a boat and called her a “super badass” for fighting off the croc.
Hana, who spoke to Georgia on a video call, said: “She dragged her back as the crocodile kept coming back for more – so she just started hitting it.
“She’d heard that with some animals, that’s what you’ve got to do.” She said the reptile tossed Melissa like a rag doll as it came back to attack three times.
After their ordeal in southern Mexico, Hana said the twins are on heavy doses of intravenous antibiotics.
Parents Sean and Sue, of Sandhurst, Berkshire, have called Georgia via Facetime. Sean said: “Melissa has lacerations all over her abdomen, her body, bite injuries.
“Her wrist is broken and has been pinned in several places.
“But her worst injuries are in her lungs. She was half-drowned. The crocodile took her in a death roll. Fortunately, Georgia got to her.”
Sue added it was the “unbreakable bond” that saved their lives. “They have
CUTE The t wins as kids always been there for each other,” she said. “If Georgia hadn’t been there who knows what would’ve happened.”
The twins went for the swim in the Manialtepec lagoon – known for its glowing waters due to bioluminescent plankton – while on a break from a volunteering trip working with animals.
Hana said they went with an unlicensed tour guide. She added: “He’s gone to where the crocodiles live and not the location where all legal certified sanctioned tours take place.
“He has been called out locally before, apparently, but that wasn’t for my sisters to know. They found out the information through their hospital.”
Hana also expressed worries over how the twins’ medical bills would be met. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We’re supporting the family of two women.”