Queensland Man Escapes Close Encounter with Saltwater Crocodile While Snorkeling Off Cape York Coast

A 51-year-old man from Queensland, Australia had a close encounter with a saltwater crocodile while snorkeling off the Cape York Coast on Saturday. Marcus McGowan was snorkeling with his wife and a group of friends when he felt something grab his head.

McGowan initially thought it was a shark, but soon realized it was a crocodile. He was able to pry the reptile’s jaws off his head and fend it off with his right hand, which was subsequently bitten.

McGowan was taken to Haggerstone Island where his friend, a fireman, administered first aid until an emergency helicopter arrived to take him to Cairns Hospital. McGowan was treated for lacerations to his head and right hand.

McGowan’s wife, who was snorkeling with him at the time, said she was in shock when she saw the crocodile. “I was in shock when I saw the croc, but I was so relieved when Marcus was able to get away,” she said.

The Queensland Government’s hospital service said McGowan was “very lucky” to have escaped the attack. “It’s a reminder to be aware of the potential dangers of swimming in crocodile habitats,” a spokesperson said.