A man has been taken by a crocodile near the Mary River Wilderness Retreat and Caravan Park in the Northern Territory.
The 24-year-old, who was at a birthday party with friends, apparently ignored warning signs and verbal warnings from resort staff not to swim in the Mary River. The stretch of water has the world’s highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles.
Sean Cole, an IT worker from Darwin, has not been since a five-metre crocodile dragged him under the surface of the muddy river late on Saturday afternoon, while his friends watched helplessly on. Another man who also decided to take a swim made it safely back to the shore.
Erin Bayard, a manager at the resort, which is popular with grey nomads, told media that the group of around 15 had received the same ”spiel” that was delivered to all guests.
“When you get here, you are told there are crocs, that the river is full of them. Don’t swim. Stay at least five metres back from the river,” he said. “If people follow that advice, it is entirely safe. We have never had an attack before this.”
Police shot a large crocodile lurking nearby – unlikely to be the one involved in the attack – to ensure the territorial reptile did not endanger searchers.
Senior Sergeant Geoff Bahnert said alcohol may have played a part in the men’s decision to take a dip.
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