Search for crocodile that leapt into tinnie with ‘jaws wide open’

A fisherman has told Queensland wildlife officers of a New Year’s Eve encounter with a large crocodile that leapt into his tinnie with its “jaws wide open”, then damaged the boat’s railing on its way back out.

The Department of Environment and Science was alerted to the incident by a member of the public and tracked down the fisherman the following day.

Queensland wildlife officers are searching for a large crocodile that leapt into a fisherman’s tinnie near Mackay on New Year’s Eve.Credit: Queensland Department of Environment and Science

Officers are searching Jane Creek near St Helens Beach, north of Mackay, to assess the crocodile. If deemed to be a safety risk, it will be removed from the wild.

“This would have been a frightening incident for the fisherman, who we are told is a long-term local who has fished in Jane Creek for decades,” said senior wildlife officer Jane Burns.

A mark the crocodile left on the fisherman’s tinnie.Credit: Queensland Department of Environment and Science

“The man said he had been fishing for around four hours when he saw the large crocodile approaching the boat. He moved to the back of the vessel and started the engine.

“The crocodile swam under the tinnie, then turned and launched itself up and into the vessel with its jaws wide open.

“The man then jumped [over] the crocodile to get to the bow of the tinnie and retrieve the anchor, and the crocodile pivoted, overbalanced and fell into the water, bending the rails of the tinnie.”

Burns said the fisherman, who returned safely to the boat ramp, had “never seen such a large crocodile behaving that way in the region before”.

“Our team are being mobilised from Mackay to conduct a daytime site assessment and install recent crocodile sighting warning signs at suitable access points,” she said.

“Should we not confirm the presence of a crocodile during our daytime search, we will conduct a night-time spotlight assessment in Jane Creek when tidal conditions are suitable.”

In November, a fisherman disappeared in crocodile territory on Cape York, while in May, a fisherman was fatally attacked by a crocodile north-west of Cairns.

Get the inside word on the news, sport, food, people and places Brisbane is talking about. Sign up for our City Talk newsletter here.