Man in ICU after fighting his way out of croc's jaws

MIRI: A man fought with a big crocodile after it snatched him from his boat, while he was fishing in a river in Kpg Tutoh in Marudi district in northern Sarawak.

Christopher Lihan, 31, survived the croc attack this morning, but is in critical condition from the massive bleeding caused by gaping wounds to body and limb.

The incident happened at about 2am on Saturday (June 1) in the Baram River fronting Kpg Tutoh, about three hours' boatride from Marudi town.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department chief for Miri, Supt Law Poh Kiong said the seriously injured man escaped the jaws of the crocodile, after it pulled him into the river.

"Information gathered from Bomba Marudi indicated that he went fishing in his boat at around 2am.

"He was inside the boat, when suddenly a crocodile emerged from the water and attacked him.

"He fell into the water and the croc grabbed his body.

"He fought with the croc and managed to free himself from its jaws.

"He managed to swim to the river bank, and his wife at the bank screamed for help from the villagers.

"They rushed him by boat to Marudi town, where the Bomba unit sent him to the Marudi Hospital.

"He was bleeding profusely from serious wounds to the body and right leg," said Supt Law.

He was given emergency treatment at the Marudi Hospital when he arrived at around 5am. However, due to the severity of his condition, he was rushed by Bomba Marudi staff to the Miri Hospital, two hours away, by land, said Supt Law.

He is now at the Miri Hospital Intensive Care Unit.