Wife rescues cop from monster crocodile

Published: January 8, 2007 | 5258th good news item since 2003

A POLICEMAN’S wife rescued her husband after a monster crocodile clamped its jaws around his head and shoulders while he snorkelled in the Torres Strait.

Thursday Island police sergeant Jeff Tanswell, 37, was attacked on a reef 15m from the shore off Adolphus Island about 12.30pm (AEST) yesterday.

The crocodile, reported to be more than 3m long, pulled the policeman under then swam into deeper water where they both surfaced.

His wife, Jane, a senior constable on Thursday Island, managed to position their boat between her husband and the crocodile and drag him to safety.

The couple were on the reef with two other off-duty police officers.

“He was attacked from behind by the crocodile which grabbed him by the head and shoulders and pulled him under the water,” a police spokesman said. “Both surfaced again shortly afterward and the crocodile then swam away from him into deeper water.

“Jane Tanswell then positioned their boat between her husband and the crocodile and assisted him into their boat.

“She then immediately picked up the other people who were still in the water.”

Sergeant Tanswell suffered wounds to his face and ear, but his injuries were not life-threatening.

The spokesman said Sergeant Tanswell’s friends applied first aid before contacting police and returning to Thursday Island.

They were met by a police launch carrying a paramedic, who travelled with them to Thursday Island. Sergeant Tanswell was treated at Thursday Island Hospital and has since been discharged.

Published in Animals, Heroes and Rescues
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