EXCLUSIVE: ‘I’m extremely lucky not to be dead – I admit that’ – Crocodile survivor speaks out after Newell Beach attack
LUCKY ESCAPE
A man who came within inches of being dragged into the water and killed by a crocodile says he thankful someone was watching over him after surviving the horrific ordeal.
Nursing deep lacerations to his feet and still requiring crutches days after the attack 65 year-old Manfred Van Eckeren, a tourist from Northern NSW, was still visibly shaken by last Tuesday’s encounter with the large predator at Newell beach.
Sleeping soundly in his sleeping bag under the stars on the sands of the beach Mr Van Eckeren was awoken just before 10pm, shocked and stunned to see a crocodile attacking his feet.
That clear night though he had one piece of serious luck on his side – his trusty sleeping bag.
During the encounter the crocodile didn’t fully close his jaws and the sleeping bag prevented him from being fully bitten.
Another piece of luck was the Crocodile could have bitten him on any other piece of his body, including chest and head – and those bites may have proved quickly fatal.
Mr Van Eckeren recounted the events, which took place exactly a week ago.
“I was sleeping six or seven metres away from the water, when suddenly I felt something hard and heavy like a sledgehammer biting both of my feet at the same time,” he explained to Newsport.
“Although my eyes were closed during the bite, I knew exactly what had bitten me; it was a full moon, I opened my eyes, and right in front of me, practically right beside me was a huge crocodile staring right at me.
“I knew then my life was in great danger. I instantly got to my feet, and backed away. In the meantime the crocodile dragged my sleeping bag into the water. He then stopped at the waterline just watching me; I was watching him and he was watching me.
“I was bleeding, so I quickly got off the beach and went and got some help for the bites.”
The tourist echoed widespread sentiments that he’s lucky he walked away with his life.
“I’m extremely lucky not to be dead – I admit that. With hindsight I probably shouldn’t have slept that close to the beach – I’m aware of that now and I’ve definitely learnt my lesson.”