North Queensland beach closed after crocodile seen metres from swimmers
A crocodile sighting has forced a popular north Queensland beach to close for multiple hours this morning, the animal reportedly coming within metres of swimmers.
Swimmers and tourists were forced to abandon waters at Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas after the saltwater croc was spotted up against the protection nets.
Onlookers on the crowded beach described seeing the croc "brush up" against the swimming area's net, prompting lifesavers to get everyone out of the water.
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Swimmers and tourists alike were forced to abandon waters at Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas following the croc being spotted up against the protection nets. Google Maps
Lifesavers on the beach then attempted to deploy an aerial drone to track the crocodile but couldn't find him.
Four Mile Beach was closed for several hours before being reopened this afternoon.
The animal, believed to be a saltwater crocodile, has been reported to the Department of Environment and Science.
The close call comes just over a year since another crocodile was caught lurking off the popular tourist destination.
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