WA: Croc in coastal waters prompts swimming alert

AAP General News (Australia)
04-11-2009
WA: Croc in coastal waters prompts swimming alert

PERTH, April 11 AAP - Saltwater crocodile sightings have sounded alarm bells at a remote
beauty spot on Western Australia's north coast.

Visitors were warned to stay out of the water after the croc was spotted swimming offshore.

WA's Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) said the three-metre saltie was
originally sighted on Tuesday off Point Maud in Coral Bay and had since been located five
metres offshore at Gnaraloo Bay near Three Mile Camp.

DEC wildlife officers were en route to the area in a bid to catch the croc, which was
found by a spotter plane at 3.30pm (WST) on Saturday.

"We advise all visitors to Gnaraloo Bay to stay out of the water, keep away from the
water's edge and keep a keen look out for the crocodile," DEC Exmouth District Manager
Ray Dejong said.

Mr Dejong said staff at the nearby Gnaraloo sheep station had been alerted and were
working to ensure people in the area were safe, adding the spotter plane would remain
in the air while the DEC wildlife crew travelled to the area.

"Once officers arrive they will take the first practical and safe opportunity to remove
the crocodile from the area by the most appropriate means," he added.

AAP sjm/goc/it

KEYWORD: CROCODILE WA

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