Sarthak Kanjilal & John Wilbert
Port Blair, Feb 07: A man is lucky to be alive today after successfully fighting off a saltwater crocodile in North Bay area of South Andaman.
Mr. Rakesh, 27, a resident of Webi, Mayabunder, was attacked by the crocodile while he was fishing near North Bay. He was with three other people when the incident occurred at around 4:00 AM.
According to reports, the victim was fishing underwater using arrow fishing (Bow Fishing) when the 3-meter crocodile suddenly leapt out and grabbed his head. Quick-thinking Rakesh responded by grabbing the crocodile’s eye and stabbing it, which caused the crocodile to release its grip. The victim was then rescued and taken to GB Pant Hospital for treatment.
The hospital authorities have confirmed that the victim did not suffer serious injuries and is recovering well.
The senior officers of the Forest department have launched a search operation for the crocodile in the 5 KM area around the incident. They have also assured that a cage will be placed at the incident site soon.
North Bay area is a very popular tourist place. Crocodile attack there will scare tourists to visit that place. It will also affect lives of many people who are dependent on earnings from tourists visiting that place.Something appropriate must be done by the authorities at the earliest.