Boy, 14, in hospital after crocodile attack while fishing at far north Queensland beach | Queensland

A 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital after he was attacked by a crocodile while fishing at a beach in northern Queensland, authorities said.

A Queensland ambulance service spokesman said he suffered leg and torso injuries on Saturday afternoon at Myall beach in Cape Tribulation, a small coastal community 140km north of Cairns.

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Services confirmed on Monday that the teenager was in a stable condition.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation said he had been fishing in thigh-high waters before the attack.

“A Detsi officer confirmed the injuries were consistent with a crocodile attack,” the spokesman said.

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Following the attack, the teenager was taken to a nearby accommodation where guests and locals provided first aid. ABC reported.

Detsi officers immediately launched a search of the area, including drones and a boat spotlight search. They found no trace of the crocodile.

The department would continue to monitor the area and install additional alligator warning signs in addition to permanent signage at all beach access points.

October marks the beginning of the annual crocodile breeding season in the region.

of Detsi website statuses During this period, male crocodiles “become particularly brazen when searching for a mate,” potentially increasing the risk.

Four crocodiles were spotted around Cape Tribulation last month. Detsi datawith the last report near Mason Creek on October 22nd.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Natassia Wheeler said crocodiles were an important part of the ecosystem in northern Queensland.

He said the tourism industry was actively encouraging visitors to be educated and informed about wildlife risks “as you would anywhere else in the world.”

“Our thoughts are with the young person affected.”

QTIC recently held a roundtable with the media on “the importance of authentic reporting that informs and educates the public without exaggerating events that could unfairly impact tourism operators.”