A search is underway for a crocodile after a man in his 50s was attacked while snorkelling in far north Queensland.
The man was reportedly attacked by a crocodile in the water about 28 kilometres off Haggerstone Island at 2pm on Saturday.
It’s understood the man was seriously injured including cuts and bruises to his face from the attack.
His hand was also injured during the shocking incident.
Channel 9 News reported the man was a part of a tourist group, with his fellow group mates able to help get the man back onto the boat and then to the mainland after the incident.
He was flown to Thursday Island Hospital in a stable condition.
The Department of Environment and Science confirmed it had received reports of the crocodile attack.
“Wildlife officers have commenced an investigation and will work with the people involved to obtain further information,” the department stated.
“Crocodiles in the open ocean can be difficult to locate as the animals often travel tens of kilometres per day.
“It is important that crocodile sightings and crocodile incidents are reported in a timely manner.”
Haggerstone Island is 600km away from Cairns and is known “croc country”, according to the department.
Visitors are urged to be “crocwise” when in the area by expecting crocodiles in all waterways even if there is no warning sign and be aware of surroundings by not leaving food nearby.
The department also encourages people to stand back from the water’s edge when fishing and camp at least 50 metres from the edge of the water.
Saturday’s attack is the third attack in North Queensland in just eight weeks, after a fisherman and a dog were killed by crocodiles.