Croc attacks islander

 By ELIZABETH VUVU

A 28-YEAR old man from Matupit island in East New Britain was attacked by a crocodile on Monday night.

According to police reports, Michael Magi had gone swimming between 7pm and 8pm when he was attacked by the reptile on his left upper breast.

He had to be rushed to the Nonga Base Hospital that same night. He is currently in stable condition.

ENB police commander Supt Sylvester Kalaut has cautioned the public to be wary of the reptiles when going about their daily activities.

The provincial livestock officer also urged people to be careful as these reptiles were migrating;  and that could be attributed to the destruction of their natural habitats and the environment which they lived in resulting in them looking for food and  even attacking human beings.

Officers from the division of primary industry have been conducting awareness at hotspots near the Mevelo River in East Pomio, Duke of York, Lat, Warangoi and Melkoi LLGs.

Officers are also targeting hunters to help keep the population of crocodiles down.

An officer said the incident at Matupit was likely be the first this year.

Last year the DPI office had recorded more than three cases of crocodile attacks in the province.