Man attacked by crocodile at Archer Point, Cooktown

A warning has gone out for locals and travellers alike to be croc wise, after two separate attacks in the state’s far north in just a week.

Wildlife officers have arrived at a remote Queensland location to begin the search for a 4.5m croc that attacked a man on Saturday.

The man was attacked while spearfishing at Archer Point in Cooktown, in Queensland’s far north, about 1.30pm and only escaped after he stuck his fingers in the crocodile’s eyes after being bitten three times.

The 36-year-old Cairns local was flown to Cairns Hospital with injuries to his arms, head, and leg.

Local national park rangers and traditional owners have reported no sightings of crocodile’s in the area since the attack on Saturday.

“The wildlife officers have met with QPWS rangers who were on site yesterday (Saturday), as well as Yuku Baja Muliku rangers and Traditional Owners, and have undertaken initial site assessments,” a DES spokeswoman told The Courier-Mail.

“The team are working closely with Yuku Baja Muliku rangers and will carry out works tonight (Sunday). Vessel-based searches will recommence from tomorrow (Monday) morning.

“No further sightings of a crocodile have been reported in the area.”

Video grabs of crocodile attack victim arriving at the Cairns Base Hospital on Rescue 510 helicopter. Picture: Brendan Radke

The croc attack was the second in the past week in the state’s far north, after a man was bitten by a crocodile while sleeping on Newell Beach on Tuesday night.

The man was taken to hospital with lacerations to both his legs.

In February a 37-year-old man was attacked and his dog died near Bloomfield.

Tourism minister Stirling Hinchliffe has warned locals and travellers to be croc wise.

“It’s very clearly a scary experience to see, I’m glad to hear that the victim of that attack has been airlifted to Cairns and is getting the treatment they need,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“But I guess it’s a salutary reminder always in those areas to be croc wise.

“There’s a whole lot of advice that you can get from parks and wildlife about being croc wise. I encourage anyone who is going to be spending any time in those areas where they are in the habitat of those amazing dinosaurs that we live with.”

The Archer Point campgrounds near Cooktown. Picture: Facebook

Mr Hinchliffe said it was important to understand how you need to act in those circumstances.

“The reality is we know these sort of incidents have different effects on different people, some people get a bit concerned and don’t want to be in that space and that’s their choice but others want to see more and get more interested,” he said.

“What I reiterate is that we do share parts of Queensland with these extraordinary animals as we do with a whole range of amazing wildlife here in the state and it’s important to respect that wildlife.”

The QG Air 510 Rescue emergency services helicopter transports a 36-year-old spearfisherman to Cairns Hospital, after he was bitten multiple times by a 4.5 metre saltwater crocodile off Archer Point. Picture: Brendan Radke

Queensland Ambulance critical care flight paramedic Valerie Noble said the man - who had been with a group of six friends - had puncture wounds from the teeth as well as multiple fractures.

“He has been in the water where he’s noticed approximately a 4.5m crocodile swimming towards him which he has tried to fend off with his spear gun unsuccessfully,” she said.

“It has bitten him three times and dragged him to the bottom where he has managed to according to him stick his fingers in the crocodiles eyes multiple times and escape before swimming towards the shore

“He’s climbed up some rocks himself where he’s managed to summon some friends who had applied basic first aid.”

Video grabs of crocodile attack victim arriving at the Cairns Base Hospital on Rescue 510 helicopter. Picture: Brendan Radke

First responders were initially hampered from reaching the man because of the terrain.

“On arrival it was inaccessible so we had to be winched to the location where we applied basic first aid, stopped bleeding, given him some pain relief and winched him back to the helicopter,” she said.

“We’ve managed to stabilise him and flown him back to Cairns base hospital.”

“He’s an extremely lucky man, not many people would live to tell the story like that.”

Rescue 510 image of what the waters looked like at Archers Point this afternoon where a man was attacked by a crocodile. Picture: QAS

It is understood the attack occurred at a location north of Archer Point called Turkey Neck Point. The area is difficult to get to by land but can be accessed by boat.

“Archer Point is a popular picnic and swimming area, if there’s any crocs around we are usually aware of it through a facility we have on Facebook called Cooktown croc watch,” Cooktown Mayor Peter Scott said.

The QG Air 510 rescue team at Archer Point where a man was attacked by a crocodile. Picture: Supplied

“Turkey Neck is well away from Archer Point. It’s dangerous, if you are not frequented or out of the way from the main area. But generally the crocs aren’t too bad at Archer Point.

“Turkey Neck is well out of the way so that’s very unfortunate. I hope the chap’s OK, that’s our main concern.

The Department of Environment and Science is investigating the incident.

“DES Wildlife Officers will investigate the report, with staff heading to the site to confirm if the crocodile remains in the area,” a DES spokesman said.

“It is important that all crocodile sightings are reported in a timely manner.”

The spokesman said Archer Point was known croc country and everyone should obey warning signs.

“Expect crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign,” he said.

Originally published as Man attacked by crocodile at Archer Point, Cooktown