Fisherman Escapes 15-Foot Crocodile by Gouging Beast's Eyes; How to Survive a Croc's Attack

A fisherman was lucky to survive and free himself from the claws of a deadly crocodile. The man endured severe injuries but lived and narrowly escaped death.

Fisherman Survives From Crocodile Attack

A 44-year-old fisherman was swimming at Archer Point on Saturday afternoon. The place is a popular camping area 20 kilometers south of Cooktown on the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.

He was enjoying the waters when a 15-foot crocodile approached him and bit him three times, leaving him with multiple fractures and serious injuries on his head, abdomen, and leg, Daily Star reported.

Valerie Noble of Queensland Ambulance Service confirmed that the man was bitten three times and dragged to the water's bottom. Noble added that the man escaped by sticking his fingers into the reptile's eye multiple times before he swam toward the shore.

A group of six people, also swimming with the man, gave him medical assistance. According to Noble, the fisherman was lucky to survive because few people would live to tell a story like it.

The Queensland Department of Environment and Science confirmed the incident and said it would investigate the attack. The croc is still in the area.

How to Survive an Aggressive Crocodile Attacking You?

Crocodiles can be aggressive, so it's best to avoid places known to have them. It's also why the government discourages the public from feedings crocs and alligators.

However, if you find yourself up close to the beast and have to fight for your life, here are some of the tips from Stone Age Man.

Poke its eyes

Just like the man from Queensland did, one of the things you can do to save yourself is to poke your fingers or anything sharp into its sensitive organs, like its eyes so that it will release you.

If the eyes are unreachable, target its nostrils and throats as they are the following vulnerable areas.

Also, crocodiles have a flap of skin that keeps water out of their throat. If the beast caught your hand inside its mouth, pull the flap down, and it could probably release you.

Don't assume it will let you go

There is a misconception that playing dead will trick the reptile into letting you go. According to them, the croc will think the person is dead and release them.

However, no one can play dead and hold their breath long in the water. So, instead of playing dead, fight for your life.

Get out of the water fast

When the crocodile releases you, run to safety and keep yourself away from the water. According to A-Z Animals, humans can be faster on land than crocodiles, and the latter is much more agile in the water.

An average human can run between 6.5 mph and eight mph and reach 27.5 mph in a full sprint. In contrast, crocodiles can only move at speeds up to 5mp on land. However, they can swim at 15 to 18 mph over short distances, and you can't match that speed.

Get immediate medical help

If you have small puncture wounds, you should immediately get medication because it could quickly become infected. There are multitudes of bacteria in their mouths and the waters they live in.

Check out more news and information on Crocodiles in Science Times.