Michael Warren

Journalist

UPDATED 3.01PM 11/4

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers (QPWS) held a spotlight search last night at Archer Point in the general vicinity where a spearfisherman was attacked in the water last Saturday afternoon by a crocodile - however they did not identify or locate the "target animal".

QPSW confirmed the search included more than four kilometres of coastline. The investigation continues this afternoon and will involve QPWS wildlife officers, Yuku Baja Muliku rangers and traditional owners.

Wildlife officers will attempt to speak with the victim today as he recovers in Cairns Base Hospital.

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EARLIER: The Department of Environment and Science has confirmed a search is underway to locate the crocodile behind the attack of a 44 year-old spearfisherman on Saturday afternoon at Archer Point.

A rescue helicopter was called to the popular camping location near Cooktown around 1.30pm after reports a man had received serious leg, abdominal and head injuries following the attack by a 4.4 metre crocodile.

The man managed to eye gouge the croc before he was later flown to Cairns hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

“Wildlife officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) arrived in Archer Point (yesterday) afternoon to commence an investigation following Saturday’s reported crocodile attack,” a DES spokesperson revealed.

“The wildlife officers have met with QPWS rangers who were on site on Saturday, as well as Yuku Baja Muliku rangers and traditional owners and have undertaken initial site assessments.

“The team is working closely with Yuku Baja Muliku rangers and carried out works last night (Sunday) vessel-based searches will recommence from this morning.

“No further sightings of a crocodile have been reported in the area.”