Monster croc caught near Big Horse boat ramp on Victoria River

A GROUP washing dishes in water near a popular boat ramp seemed blissfully unaware of the monster lurking just beneath the surface

People washing their dishes in the Victoria River only metres from where a 4.38m saltie was caught

A GROUP washing dishes in water near a popular boat ramp seemed blissfully unaware of the monster lurking just beneath the surface.

The giant saltie, which was calling a boat ramp at a popular fishing spot home, was captured by parks and wildlife rangers.

The 4.38m crocodile had been hanging around the Big Horse boat ramp on the Victoria River.

An NT Parks and Wildlife spokesman said there had been reports of fishos washing their plates in the waters not far from where the croc was caught.

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The trio were seen standing dangerously close to the water.

“There have been reports of people washing dishes in the river, risking their lives for a clean plate. Always Be Crocwise,” they said.

A 4.38m male saltwater croc was caught in the Victoria River. Picture: NT PARKS AND WILDLIFE

“The croc will now go to a croc farm. Given his size he may be used for breeding or display.”

It is estimated that crocodiles numbers have increased to the 200,000 mark in the wild since the 1970s.