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Family & Pets

Swimmer bitten on head by saltwater crocodile

A man who was bitten on the head by a crocodile in Far North Queensland is expected to make a full recovery.

The 33-year-old was snorkelling off a beach at Lizard Island, on the Great Barrier Reef on Wednesday afternoon when he was attacked by a 2-metre saltwater crocodile.

The attack occurred when the man was in deep water, close to 50 metres offshore.

He was quickly rushed to Cairns Hospital by the Royal Flying Doctor Service with injuries on his head and neck.

He is currently in a stable condition.

Operators of Lizard Island Resort, Delaware North, issued a statement saying the incident was rare and the man was expected to make a full recovery.

"Lizard Island Resort management received notification that an individual swimming on one of the island beaches had received a bite from a suspected crocodile, resulting in wounds to the upper body area," the statement said.

"Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers have been notified of the incident and are in direct contact with the resort management.

"We view this incident as an extremely isolated and rare occurrence, and emphasise that the current safety messaging provided to all guests and the resort staff are consistent with Queensland Parks and Wildlife's advice."

Lizard Island is closed due to coronavirus restrictions and is due to reopen to visitors on December 14.

Tags:
crocodile, Queensland, health, incident