3.5m saltwater crocodile captured off Cable Beach

A 3.5-metre saltwater crocodile that had repeatedly appeared near Broome has been captured and relocated after triggering several beach closures.

Yawuru and Parks and Wildlife rangers decided to catch the crocodile after spotting it about 100 metres offshore, just north of Cable Beach. The operation led to the third beach closure in recent weeks while rangers carried out what officials described as an “inherently risky” process.

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inherently risky

Parks and Wildlife district officer Lyle Gilbert said the crocodile was relatively large by Kimberley standards and was inside Broome’s crocodile control zone. Authorities monitor and remove crocodiles in the area when they may encounter people, threaten vessels or show signs they could attack.

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The crocodiles we capture and relocate are ones occurring in the croc risk management area … where they're going to potentially run into people

Four rangers took part in the capture. They attached a grapple or harpoon to the crocodile, secured its jaws and covered its eyes to reduce risks to people and the animal. Gilbert urged people in crocodile country to remain vigilant.

The operation attracted strong interest from locals and tourists, who watched from the stairs and surf club. Beach Hut Broome owner Angela Roberson said she had seen crocodiles before, but not one that large so close to her business. She thanked the rangers after they captured the animal within about 90 minutes, allowing the beach to reopen and businesses to resume trading.

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They really should get a lot of credit for responding so quickly