Salt Water Crocs in the Whitsundays

[MainMan]

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

The most dangerous animal in the Whitsundays, and Great Barrier Reef in general, is a little teeny weeny jellyfish

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irukandji_jellyfish

The most dangerous animal in Australia is the Homosapien!

[Wotname]

Typical Aussie Beach - you can't see the croc or the killer jellyfish but you can be pretty sure they are there.

The other killers are easier to spot!

[Hasbeen]

We used to boom net beside a 36Ft little passenger barge in Whitsunday passage to the east of the Mole group, but never to the west, closer to the mainland in the Mole channel. This was in the winter months, in the 70s & 80s & never in the mid summer months.


We used to boom net with the bigger boats at Whitehaven beach & to the north of Hook Island in summer without any problem with stingers, sharks or crocks.


Day dream Island & South Moll had people sail boarding & riding jet sky's all year round as well as water skying without problems.


The one that always worried me was the stone fish, particularly on rocky or broken coral shores. We gathered a dozen in a couple of hours around the Daydream jetty on one occasions.


This is of course quite a while back & things may have changed.

[HueyHuey]

Originally Posted by goodoldwoody

Hi Wildlife Lovers,
We are so lucky to have all these creatures. Just need to respect them after all they are working hard to keep the area clean!!! In the far north local Aboriginals have a very deep respect for crocks especially. A prehistoric creature that's survives solely because of its stealth.

There doesn't seem to be any creatures left in Europe since I think the humans exterminated everything. I even wonder about cockroaches if there's any left.

We might eventually get crocks in Sydney since coral has just been found near Manly.
Sydney's marine life turning troppo as coral, other species head south - The Sydney Morning Herald
https://apple.news/AK_a5Q-4RSXCJdBwOk21pWg

Cheers Woody

We used to live at Ettalong beach just north of Sydney, I visited last summer turtles and soft sponges, the climate and environment is definately changing...

[HueyHuey]

We live aboard and spend alot of time around the Whitsundays. Yes they are around but not generally a problem, you've just got to use common sense and avoid waterways close to the mainland...
But we do have other dangers as well, again it comes down to common sense.
Last week a marine biologist got bitten by a shark swimming at Cid harbour at dusk... you'd think he would know better, dirty water at shark feeding time... over 100 stitches later he has learnt his lesson...
We are in the alot with no problems, just dont be foolish...

[MartinAdelaide]

ABC news in May reported Wa's first recorded croc fatality in three decades, so 'frequently' isn't a word I'd use.

[Mike Banks]

The two Copperheads tearing one off are a bit of a worry too. Maybe they are really Taipans--even MORE of a worry.

[Mike Banks]

There have been MANY fatalities in Western Australia from crocs. It is infested with them, just as it is in Queensland. The further north you go--the more dangerous they are. They are not in the slightest bit afraid of humans. They DO stalk people, and they are very skilled at laying an ambush.

[MartinAdelaide]

Originally Posted by Mike Banks

There have been MANY fatalities in Western Australia from crocs. It is infested with them, just as it is in Queensland. The further north you go--the more dangerous they are. They are not in the slightest bit afraid of humans. They DO stalk people, and they are very skilled at laying an ambush.

I'll agree with the habits and I wouldn't even go in possible croc waters. I'm attacks aren't that prevalent. Nearly all attacks are between Cairns and Darwin because that's where more people are. I quoted the ABC above and the Bureau of statistics will tell you more. i'd be more worried about tiger sharks and box jellyfish.

[Mike Banks]

There are plenty of attacks. Fatalities less common.

[Ahquabi]

https://www.9news.com.au/2018/09/19/...sunday-islands

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Ahquabi

https://www.9news.com.au/2018/09/19/...sunday-islands

The article

9News breaking news headlines

NewsNational
Woman suffers serious injuries in Whitsundays shark attack
10:06pm Sep 19, 2018


Woman mauled by shark

A woman has been mauled by a shark while swimming off a yacht near in the Whitsundays.

The victim suffered significant leg and torso injuries in the attack, which occurred near Lindeman Island.

She was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital by helicopter.
She was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital by helicopter. (9NEWS)
The woman suffered leg and torso injuries in the
She was pulled from the water and later winched from Sawmill Bay onto a RACQ Rescue helicopter.


She was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.

© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2018

[44'cruisingcat]

The above article is slightly incorrect. It was Cid Harbour, Whitsunday island, not Lindeman.

A couple of shark attacks in Cid Harbour in the past week or so

Friends of ours were involved in the rescue and first aid of the woman. She'd lost a lot of blood.

Both attacks happened quite late in the afternoon.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

Both attacks happened quite late in the afternoon.

About the worst time for a swim
I wonder if anyone had been cleaning fish nearby?

[Mr B]

Originally Posted by Hasbeen

We used to boom net beside a 36Ft little passenger barge in Whitsunday passage to the east of the Mole group, but never to the west, closer to the mainland in the Mole channel. This was in the winter months, in the 70s & 80s & never in the mid summer months.


We used to boom net with the bigger boats at Whitehaven beach & to the north of Hook Island in summer without any problem with stingers, sharks or crocks.


Day dream Island & South Moll had people sail boarding & riding jet sky's all year round as well as water skying without problems.


The one that always worried me was the stone fish, particularly on rocky or broken coral shores. We gathered a dozen in a couple of hours around the Daydream jetty on one occasions.


This is of course quite a while back & things may have changed.

In the 70's there were no crocs, They had been shot out to the point of extinction,
Qld coast was safe to swim in, Hervey Bay, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Innisfail, Mackay Harbour, Cairns, Cooktown, Darwin Harbour also, No Crocs,

The boom nets off the sides of boats were great fun,
Maroon Harbour was very good for stone fish, Had to wear boots for them,
Sharks are always there,
,