Crocodile bites man on head and neck near Lizard Island

A man is in a stable condition in hospital this morning, hours after he was bitten on the head and neck by a crocodile near the Great Barrier Reef.

The 33-year-old was snorkelling off Anchor Bay at Lizard Island about 4.00pm yesterday when he was attacked by a saltwater crocodile.

Operators of the resort say the attack is rare.

A team of wildlife officers is expected to travel to the island, north of Cooktown, today to locate and remove the crocodile.

The man is expected to remain in Cairns Hospital today, after he was treated at the scene by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Lizard Island is a resort off the Queensland coast in the Great Barrier Reef.

It will remain closed to guests until December 14 in line with coronavirus restrictions.