Croc attack video on Cape York page confuses

Be Croc Wise

Bryan Littlely

Journalist

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A grab from the video posted on To The Cape and Back Information Facebook page of a near miss crocodile attack. Picture: To The Cape and Back Information

A video posted on the To The Cape and Back Information Facebook page of a crocodile launching at a boat load of fishers, including children, is gaining plenty of attention.... but it seems it is likely to be from half a world away.

Patrick Hughes posted the video on Monday morning, November 11, of the grounded tinny with six fishers in it working to bring in a fish when a crocodile launches from the murky waters narrowly missing the hand of a young boy reaching over the side.

There's little more explanation to the video, and efforts by Newsport to contact Mr Hughes have been unsuccessful.

While it remains unclear if it is a local Cape York location that the video was recorded, comments on the post, including by Mr Hughes suggest it could be a scene from Zimbabwe.

"Sent to me by my mate in Zimbabwe. Could be Zambezi river tiger fishing,'' Mr Hughes said.

Christine Ambrose added: "Dip ya toes in the beautiful waters …no no noow no no umm nut  ol mate near got a face lift ! Don’t get many second chances with them big lizards eh!''.

It may not be a local near miss, but it is reflective of a recent horror story from up the Cape.

A local, well known fisho had a recent run in with a crocodile when it launched more than a metre out of the water to grab him from off the deck of his boat, dragging him into the water.

While details of that attack are few, legend suggest the fisherman punched on with the croc to free himself and escaped with significant but not life threatening injuries.

It serves as a timely reminder to be CrocWise, with breeding season in full swing for crocodiles.

How to be Croc Wise

  • Avoid returning to the same spot at the water’s edge to fill your bucket. Create new paths to avoid attracting crocodiles to established trails.
  • Never prepare food, wash dishes, or perform other tasks near the water’s edge or next to sloping banks. These areas provide easy access for crocodiles.
  • Fill up your bucket and move away from the water’s edge before starting any chores.

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