Crocodile mauls man in horrific Wangi Falls attack as other tourists scramble for safety

A man has been mauled by a two-metre-long saltwater crocodile at a popular swimming spot in the Northern Territory.

Around 80 people fled the Top End swimming spot at Wangi Falls, an hour south of Darwin in the scenic Litchfield National Park, after the attack on Monday afternoon.

The man, believed to be in his 60s, suffered flesh wounds to his arms which were treated by an off-duty nurse before he could be taken to hospital, according to the NT News. 

Rangers said the beast was around two metres in length (stock image)

Off-duty senior police constable Taneka Starr, from Tasmania, was swimming with around 80 other people in the falls when she heard the commotion.

‘My family and children were swimming in the water when people started yelling for everyone to get out,’ she told the Mercury.

‘We formed a circle together to make sure we all made it out of the water safely as a group, especially the children.

‘It was a pretty terrifying experience.’

A witness told 7 News that the victim had to be rescued from the water by a small boat. 

Dean McAdam, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security Director for Northern Australian Parks, said rangers had confirmed the man was attacked by a saltwater crocodile. 

‘It is estimated the crocodile is approximately 2m long. Rangers are working with the Crocodile Management Team to remove the animal. Further crocodile surveys will then be undertaken prior to reopening,’ he said.

The popular swimming spot has been closed and people are urged not to enter the water.