13-Foot-Long Crocodile Bites Elderly Man During Reptile-Infested River Cruise, Victim Hospitalized

A 60-year-old man was viciously bitten by a 13-foot-long crocodile while he was on an adventure cruise in the Northern Territory (NT) in Australia.

The incident took place Monday when the man was on the tourist cruise along the Adelaide River, local media reported. Paramedics responded to the area after St John Ambulance service received a call about the elderly man sustaining injuries to his arm and hand.

When the paramedics arrived, they found the man bleeding heavily, and the bystanders trying to control it with a "pressure bandage," NT News reported. The victim then was rushed to Palmerston Hospital where he underwent an emergency surgery.

"My understanding is a male there has been on a cruise of some sort... and somehow has ended up having his hand bitten by what appears to be a three- or four-meter crocodile," said St John Ambulance NT operations manager Craig Garraway.

The river where the incident took place is said to be infested with crocodiles and other reptiles. It is well known for its jumping crocodile cruises where the animals are lured out of the water with food.

"Police are yet to speak to this male to determine the circumstances and the location and the nature of the injury," NT Police Senior Sergeant Richard Howie said, according to ABC News. "We need to obtain some further information so we can pass it on to NT Parks and Wildlife so they can review the incident and can determine what action might be required."

Howie also said the latest attack was a reminder of the dangers around the Top End's waterways.

"There is always a risk. We know our waterways do have plenty of crocodiles in them," he said. "Anyone out on the water should be really aware and obviously be safe when it comes to being in their territory."

An inspector with the NT WorkSafe, the administrative and regulatory arm of the Northern Territory Work Health Authority, was also contacted about the incident by a “concerned” member of the public.

"NT WorkSafe reminds all Territory businesses that it is a requirement to notify us of any serious injuries that occur in the workplace,” WorkSafe said, according to News.com.au. “While there are no specific regulations relating to crocodiles, crocodiles are an apex predator and are a well-known hazard in the Top End for all businesses operating in their habitat."

"All businesses operating in crocodile habitats have a duty to minimize, or if possible eliminate, the risk of injury from crocodiles," the agency said.