Woman killed by a crocodile in northern Australia has been criticised for her “stupidity” by a local MP who criticised her decision to swim at night at a notoriously dangerous beach.
Warning against a “crocodile backlash”, Warren Entsch, an MP from the ruling Coalition, said the coastal area where the 46-year-old disappeared had numerous signs warning visitors of the danger.
“You can't legislate against human stupidity," he said.
Police spokesman Russell Parker said the victim’s friend had tried in vain to save her from the jaws of the beast at Thornton Beach.
He said: “We hold grave fears for the welfare of the woman.
"Her 47-year-old friend tried to grab her and drag her to safety and she just wasn't able to do that.
"[The friend] then ran to a nearby business and raised the alarm, and from that point police and other authorities were advised.
"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."
A rescue helicopter along with a search party resumed their search this morning.Paramedics took the victim’s friend to the Mossman hospital where she was treated for shock and a graze.
Queensland MP Warren Entsch today blamed the attack on human stupidity, noting the many warning signs in the area.
He said: “This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. There are warning signs up everywhere there.
“You can only get there by ferry, and there are signs there saying watch out for the bloody crocodiles.
“You can't legislate against human stupidity," he said, adding: "If you go in swimming at 10 o'clock at night, you're going to get consumed.”
Crocodiles are a common site in northern Australia and kill an average of two people a year.
Only two weeks ago Australian Noel Ramage drowned after a crocodile reportedly overturned his fishing boat.
As humans encroach into their habitat, attacks are few but not unknown. Alligators, unlike the large crocodiles, do not immediately regard a human upon encounter as prey, but may still attack in self-defense if provoked.
Experts say that it is possible to stay to fight off a shark, but it is much more difficult or even impossible to rescue themselves from an attacking croc. Sharks kill or mail up to 15 people every year. Hippos kill 200, elephants kill 250, bees - 1,250, whereas crocodiles kill 2,500 people every year.
While deaths are extremely rare (1 per year) the thought of being stalked, killed, and eaten is horrific. Alligators in Florida have killed 18 people in the last 60 years. The attacks have been increasing in recent years.
Warning against a “crocodile backlash”, Warren Entsch, an MP from the ruling Coalition, said the coastal area where the 46-year-old disappeared had numerous signs warning visitors of the danger.
“You can't legislate against human stupidity," he said.
The 46-year-old woman was reportedly swimming in waist-deep water with a friend last night in northern Queensland when the croc attacked.
Police spokesman Russell Parker said the victim’s friend had tried in vain to save her from the jaws of the beast at Thornton Beach.
He said: “We hold grave fears for the welfare of the woman.
"Her 47-year-old friend tried to grab her and drag her to safety and she just wasn't able to do that.
"[The friend] then ran to a nearby business and raised the alarm, and from that point police and other authorities were advised.
"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."
A rescue helicopter along with a search party resumed their search this morning.Paramedics took the victim’s friend to the Mossman hospital where she was treated for shock and a graze.
Queensland MP Warren Entsch today blamed the attack on human stupidity, noting the many warning signs in the area.
He said: “This is a tragedy but it was avoidable. There are warning signs up everywhere there.
“You can only get there by ferry, and there are signs there saying watch out for the bloody crocodiles.
“You can't legislate against human stupidity," he said, adding: "If you go in swimming at 10 o'clock at night, you're going to get consumed.”
Crocodiles are a common site in northern Australia and kill an average of two people a year.
Only two weeks ago Australian Noel Ramage drowned after a crocodile reportedly overturned his fishing boat.
As humans encroach into their habitat, attacks are few but not unknown. Alligators, unlike the large crocodiles, do not immediately regard a human upon encounter as prey, but may still attack in self-defense if provoked.
Source: /www.standard.co.uk
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