Woman, 23, is bitten on the leg by a saltwater crocodile while swimming in a lagoon
- 23-year-old was bitten on the right leg by the two-metre saltwater crocodile
- She was swimming at Vanderlin Island on Sunday when the attack happened
- She was taken to the mainland for emergency treatment and has recovered
A female swimmer has suffered leg injuries after being bitten by a crocodile during a swim on an isolated island in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The 23-year-old was swimming at a lagoon at remote Vanderlin Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria when a saltwater crocodile surprised and attacked her.
She was bitten several times and had to be taken off the island and taken 80km to the mainland for emergency treatment.
A 23-year old woman was lucky to survive after being bitten several times by a saltwater crocodile at isolated Vanderlin Island in the Northern Territory
Vanderlin Island, where the young woman was bitten by a crocodile, is an estimated 800km south east of Darwin and believed to be home to only one family
‘The incident occurred at around 3pm on Sunday afternoon but was only reported to Police yesterday,’ Northern Territory Police watch commander Siiri-Kai Tennosaar told nine.com.au.
‘The female was transported to Borroloola clinic and treated for multiple puncture wounds and scratches to her lower right leg.’
She has since been discharged from the clinic.
Vanderlin Island is about 800km south-east of Darwin and has only one family living there.
‘The incident serves as a timely reminder to be vigilant around waterways and to avoid entering areas where crocodiles may be present,’ Mr Tennosaar said.
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