Fisherman Escapes 12ft Crocodile Attack in Queensland

Increasing crocodile attacks in northern Australia prompt calls for culling as wildlife officers investigate recent incident.

Richard Brookman, a 45-year-old experienced fisherman, was fishing at St Helens Beach, north of Mackay, in Queensland, Australia, when a 12ft saltwater crocodile leapt into his boat with its jaws wide open.
Brookman managed to step over the crocodile and retrieve his anchor, causing the reptile to overbalance and fall back into the water.
Crocodile attacks have become increasingly frequent in northern Australia, prompting demands for a cull of the animals.
Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science are investigating the incident and will assess the crocodile's behaviour if it is found.
If the crocodile is deemed a threat to public safety, it will be targeted for removal from the wild.