Overview
- A man in his 20s was attacked about 8:40 a.m. Tuesday while swimming in Palm Creek near Ingham, sustaining puncture wounds to his lower back, legs and hand.
- He was treated in stable condition at Ingham Hospital and then airlifted to Townsville University Hospital for further care.
- Queensland’s Department of the Environment, Tourism Science and Innovation said rangers will assess the site and search for the crocodile with plans to remove it from the area.
- Experts issued fresh safety warnings, noting the Hinchinbrook mangrove system is prime crocodile habitat and wet-season flooding increases encounter risk.
- Recent sightings include reptiles behind local homes and a 6-foot crocodile in Lucinda, and the incident has renewed political calls for tougher regional management.