CAIRNS, Australia, May 30 (UPI) — A woman is presumed dead and a friend was hospitalized after a crocodile attack at an Australian beach, authorities reported Monday.
The two women were swimming late Sunday night in waist-deep water at Thornton Beach, a remote part of Daintree National Park in northeast Australia’s Queensland state, when the attack occurred.
The victim, Cindy Waldron, 46, was dragged away after she was heard shouting, “A croc’s got me.” Her unidentified friend attempted unsuccessfully to save her, and was later hospitalized for bruises and shock.
“They had been walking along the beach and they’ve decided to go for a swim just in waist-deep water at Thornton Beach and probably a very nice, clear night, but obviously may not have been aware of the dangers,” said police spokesman Russell Parker.
Neither woman is from the area, which is known for its crocodiles. Tourists can board boats for crocodile-spotting tours at a river adjacent to Thornton Beach.
Warren Entsch, member of parliament from the region, commented, “You can’t legislate against human stupidity. This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. You can only get there (to the beach) by ferry, and there are signs there saying watch out for the bloody crocodiles. If you go in swimming at 10 o’clock at night, you’re going to get consumed.”
