Crocodile Attacks Boy In Touna, Central Sulawesi, Survivors With Sobek Wounds

Illustration of river estuarine crocodiles. (Unsplash- Joshua J. Totten)

A 13-year-old student in Tojo Una-Una (Touna) Regency, Central Sulawesi, survived a crocodile attack while bathing in the sea on Sunday, October 26 afternoon. The victim with the initials SL, a resident of Tanjung Pude Village, Una-Una District, suffered serious lacerations to his left calf.

The incident occurred at around 16.30 WITA when the victim took a bath alone in the sea near his village. Without realizing it, a crocodile appeared from the left and immediately bit his calf.

The Una-Una Police Chief, Iptu Sodang Datuan, explained that the victim fought back until he finally managed to escape from the bite of the wild animal. "The victim was bitten by a crocodile while bathing in the sea. Luckily, he managed to escape after rebeling and pressing his legs many times," he said, Monday, October 27.

After successfully escaping, the victim ran to the mainland to ask residents for help. At around 17.00 WITA, SL was immediately rushed to the Wakai Hospital for intensive care.

Sodang said that the crocodile attack in the area was not the first time this had happened. He appealed to the public not to bathe in the sea alone, especially in the evening when crocodiles often appear to the surface. We urge parents to supervise their children more. Do not bathe in the sea without assistance," he said.

The police are now coordinating with the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and local governments to take preventive measures, including the installation of warning banners at vulnerable points. We will also encourage education and socialization of crocodile hazards to the public so that there are no more victims," said the police chief.

Coastal residents are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report to the authorities if they see crocodiles appearing around settlements.