Crocodile attacks during photo shoot

A recent shock-attack by a crocodile in the Balule Private Nature Reserve ended with only minor injuries for the victim, thanks to the vigilance of those present and the excellent emergency services.
On January 18 Estie van Heerden was assisting a photographer during a photo shoot near a dam, and was reflecting light off the lens some distance from the water’s edge when out of nowhere the 2.5m crocodile snapped at her. The crocodile bit into her calf and started to pull her into the water, but Estie, who is a very strong athlete, managed to put up sturdy resistance which probably saved her life.
  Estie, who is a graphic designer, was visiting from Johannesburg to assist her cousin Sharon Haussmann with photos for the new catalogue for her company, Khaki Fever Hoedspruit. The incident took place on the family’s farm, and Sharon is keen to make it clear that this was not a case of inexperienced tourists taking risks with animals. ‘We have owned this farm [Brussels Farm] all of our lives and have never had an incident like this. We respect wild animals and have never provoked them’, she says. She adds that they were taking all the necessary precautions, and were not working right on the water’s edge.
  Fortunately, Sharon’s father managed to jump in between Estie and the crocodile and shot it, allowing Estie to escape. The family is devastated at having been forced to take this drastic measure. The incident has been reported to the relevant authorities.
  Sharon says that her cousin has
nothing but praise for the local emergency services. The incident took place before 06:00 in the morning, but Quemic Medical Response answered the call immediately and was already waiting at the reserve’s gate when the family arrived there. Not only that, but the ambulance had a doctor on board, because of the severity of the incident. Estie was transported to
Phalaborwa Clinix Hospital where the medical care was fantastic, and she is now recovering well but is still being monitored for infection. Estie is not expected to have any permanent damage, and her only
regret is that she had to miss out on the Ironman triathlon event.
- LiN News/ Kruger2Canyon