Malaysian River
A 39-year-old fisherman in Sarawak narrowly escaped death after a terrifying crocodile attack at Loagan Tebabui, Kuala Tutoh, Marudi. Dennis Karon was fishing with his brother and a villager when the crocodile lunged at him, causing serious injuries including a fractured right arm and multiple wounds.
According to the Sarawak Civil Defence Force (APM), the emergency call was made at 4.38 pm on 13 July. Rescue personnel quickly responded, reaching the site at about 5.30 pm. Dennis was located at the Kampung Benawa ferry point and was rushed to Marudi Hospital for urgent treatment.
Dennis’s niece, Nurul Hidayah Raffelisia Abdullah, shared that the trio had gone fishing at around 10 am, stopping to eat by the riverbank before casting their nets. As they prepared to fish, they noticed bubbles on the water, mistaking them for fish activity. When Dennis’s net got snagged near the bubbles, he and his brother jumped in to free it.
While the brother resurfaced quickly, Dennis did not appear for several minutes, prompting panic among the group. They began hitting the boat to make noise, and eventually saw Dennis struggling to surface in the middle of the loagan (lake).
Dennis later explained that he survived the crocodile’s grip by fiercely poking its eye, a survival technique also seen in previous attacks in the area. Nurul Hidayah noted that this was the third such crocodile attack in the village, with all victims escaping by targeting the reptile’s eyes.
Following initial care in Marudi, Dennis was transferred to Miri Hospital for further treatment. Authorities have urged locals to remain vigilant when fishing or engaging in activities near crocodile habitats to avoid similar dangers.
Similar Incident Teen Girl Fights Off Crocodile Attack in Florida Creek
A 15-year-old girl in Florida narrowly escaped a terrifying crocodile attack while playing in a creek last month. The young victim, identified as Shinotte, was dragged underwater after the reptile bit her leg, but her brave resistance helped her survive the ordeal.
The incident occurred on 22 June near Pond Creek, about 40 kilometres from Destin city. Shinotte and two friends were wading through the waist-deep creek, travelling downstream for approximately 1.6 kilometres. As she turned to head back, a three-metre crocodile suddenly approached from behind and clamped onto her leg.
Shinotte recounted the frightening moments, explaining how she repeatedly punched the crocodile’s head to make it release its grip. “It let go, but then grabbed me again,” she said. The second time, the crocodile pulled her underwater, violently shaking her leg.
Heroic Escape and Recovery
Seizing a brief moment when the crocodile loosened its bite, Shinotte managed to swim to shore with the help of her friends who pulled her to safety. Exhausted and injured, she collapsed and prayed, asking if her leg was still intact. Her friends reassured her, saying she was badly hurt but alive.
Despite escaping the immediate danger, the crocodile continued to follow the group, forcing Shinotte’s friends to carry her to higher ground where the animal could not climb. She was rushed to hospital with multiple bite wounds on her leg, but fortunately, doctors confirmed no amputation was needed.
Wildlife officials are currently tracking the crocodile and have issued warnings to the public to avoid swimming or playing in creeks and rivers, especially in crocodile habitats.