6.6-foot crocodile heads toward snorkelers off Australian island, forcing them out of the water

The resort on Australia's Fitzroy Island reinforced its safety precautions after snorkelers scrambled out of the water because of a two-meter (6.6-foot) saltwater crocodile. 

Here's what to know

Visitors received warnings from resort and ferry staff after a two-meter (6.6-foot) crocodile appeared near shore at Fitzroy Island, a popular tourist destination 29 kilometers (18 miles) off Cairns in Queensland, ABC News reported.

Bundaberg sailor Mark Fletcher went ashore in his dinghy to learn why people had been shouting from the beach. The Bundaberg sailor, whose yacht was anchored offshore, had heard the calls while checking his propeller and returned to his boat before heading to shore.

"I didn't really know it was in the water when I was in the water," Fletcher said, per ABC News. "It was only after I thought about it that I could have been in a bit of strife."

Scottish tourist Kyle O'Shea, 23, and his girlfriend ended up watching the crocodile from rocks near shore instead of snorkeling after they were warned about the animal. "Once we get told there's a crocodile, [my partner was] just like, 'No, not a chance,'" O'Shea said, according to ABC News.

More background

For swimmers and snorkelers at Fitzroy Island, a crocodile sighting is an unusual event. The animals are well known across Far North Queensland, but are rarely sighted near the island.

Dallas Bickle, general manager of Fitzroy Island Resort, said this was only the second sighting he had handled in three years, per ABC News. The previous one occurred in late 2024.

Bickle said the animal was believed to be an immature male looking for territory during the breeding period.

Swimmers, snorkelers, and sailors such as Fletcher can find themselves near these animals, and without proper precautions, these encounters can quickly turn dangerous.

What's being done?

Routine shoreline checks and checks from resort vessels formed part of Fitzroy Island Resort's strengthened safety response, ABC News reported. Its expanded visitor alerts included updates for guests, day tour operators, and passengers.

Monitoring of the area was continuing alongside an investigation into the report, Queensland's Environment Department confirmed, per ABC News.

"Although these sightings are uncommon, we are well equipped to manage them and will continue to monitor the situation closely, continuing regular contact with Parks and Wildlife authorities and following their advice," Bickle said.

Bickle said the crocodile had not been seen again since the night of the sighting.

Despite missing the chance to snorkel at Fitzroy Island, O'Shea was not discouraged from taking another Australian holiday.

"If anything, it's inspired me to come back because Cairns is a lovely place and I just love crocodiles," he said.

Where can I learn more?

Crocodile encounters have raised safety concerns elsewhere in Australia and overseas.

• In Western Australia, a crocodile that sparked beach closures was captured and relocated.

• Australia approved Olympic rowing on Queensland's Fitzroy River, where 500 saltwater crocodiles live.

• In Malaysia, a friend fought off a crocodile that attacked a clam hunter.

• In Miami, a crocodile killed a dog near the shore before approaching its owner.

• In Sarawak, Malaysia, crews caught a 17-foot crocodile as public safety questions grew.

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