A routine clam-hunting trip in Sabah, Malaysia, turned violent when a man was attacked by a crocodile.
Here's what to know
On August 29, Hamdan Samad was hunting for clams when he was attacked by a crocodile in Sungai Siungau near Kampung Lubok Weston and managed to survive with injuries after his friend, Ag Sabtu Omar, drove the animal away by beating it on the head until it released its grip.
According to the Daily Express, as reported by Malay Mail, the crocodile was about nine feet long and attacked when the men got out of their boat around 4 p.m.
Samad suffered injuries to his left leg and right hand and was then taken to the Weston Health Clinic before later being transferred to Beaufort District Hospital.
More background
According to Kampung Weston Village Chief Masri Latif, crocodile sightings in the area have been happening more often, and he believes there may be more than one in the river.
Masri said the same river was the site of another attack involving a woman searching for clams who survived after the person with her drove the animal away.
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What's being done?
Masri contacted the Wildlife Department and was told they would try to catch the crocodile.
In the meantime, Masri urged residents, especially fishermen and anglers, to be extra cautious along the river.
Where can I learn more?
Crocodile attacks and close calls in other coastal and river communities show how quickly routine outings can go awry. Incidents at Australian campsites and on the water in Sri Lanka echo the concerns Weston residents have raised about seeing more crocodiles nearby.
• At Newell Beach in Australia, a tourist awoke as a crocodile slammed down on his foot.
• At an Australian beach campsite, a large crocodile put a sleeping man in hospital overnight.
• In Sri Lanka, a boater filmed a monster saltwater crocodile surging dangerously close to his vessel.
• At a zoo in the Philippines, a crocodile mauled a tourist who crossed a barrier.
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