On April 18, 2012, on a sunny day in the Republic of Palau, a tourist who was snorkeling at “Campbeck” located at the southern dock in Peleliu was attacked by a crocodile. This is said to be the first reported crocodile attack in Palau since the 1960’s.
The tourist was on a dive tour, with a local dive company, and decided to snorkel during the lunch break between dives. The victim, a Thai national living in Singapore, was said to be snorkeling near the mangrove area when he was bitten in the head and then the hand by the crocodile. Some speculate that the crocodile was nesting at the time of the attack. He apparently felt something on his head and reached atop to discover the crocodile. He then wrestled with the crocodile, but somehow managed to break free. With his head bleeding, he managed to swim back to the dive boat for help. There was a nurse aboard another dive boat that provided some assistance.
Witnesses say the crocodile was between 8 and 9 feet long and that it tried to drag the tourist down. Some Peleliu residents claim that this same crocodile has eaten several local dogs.
The victim was immediately transported by boat back to Koror and then by car to the Belau National Hospital. The tourist is still in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
OTV will continue to follow this story.