The global surfing community was left stunned (once again) after a massive, 16-foot (5-meter) saltwater crocodile infiltrated the lineup at HT’s (Lance’s Right) in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands—a harrowing encounter that culminated in local authorities making the difficult decision to shoot and kill the prehistoric apex predator.
The drama unfolded at first light on Thursday, October 15, as surfers paddled into clean four-foot peelers. Dave Crouch, operator of Asia Surf Charters Sumatra aboard the KM Asia, spoke directly with SURFER about the incident to give the details.
He had just anchored when his crew spotted the massive reptile. See footage here:
Crouch told SURFER:
“Paul, my photographer, had decided to get an early start, so he and Anggie, my deckhand, were heading towards the beach to set up for the morning. That was when Anggie spotted what he thought was a crocodile. Paul, however, thought it was just a piece of timber, so the boys went over for a closer look. It certainly turned out to be a crocodile — and a big one at that.”
He added:
“We estimated it to be around 4–5 meters long. The boys quickly raised the alarm and raced back to the Asia to get the big speedboat on the scene and help get everyone out of the water.”
Related: Giant Saltwater Crocodile Cruises Through Lance’s Right Lineup in the Mentawais (Video)
The situation turned critical when an Australian female surfer paddled out completely unaware of what was lurking in the lineup.
“She was about 20 meters offshore, paddling straight towards the crocodile. Thankfully, she was quickly picked up, as the crocodile was slowly moving towards her,” said Crouch, whose crew quickly evacuated the entire lineup.
Crocodile sightings have steadily circulated through the Mentawais in recent years, particularly around Silabu and Macaronis, alongside a recent incident in the neighboring Telo Islands where a dog was taken.
However, seeing a 16-foot saltwater giant stalking the shallow reef at Lance’s Right was unprecedented for modern residents, with the last known croc in the area killed in the early 1980s.
Mike Koning, an Australian who has lived in front of HT’s for a decade, watched as the beast prowled the shallows. He gave his firsthand account to SURFER.
“The crocodile was constantly submerging, rising, and surveying the people and dogs on land, assessing us from the shallows,” Koning explained. “A few times it sank right to the bottom in less than two meters of water, right where the sand meets the reef. Even though the water was crystal clear, it looked exactly like a large black rock or a submerged log—perfectly camouflaged. An unsuspecting surfer or swimmer could have easily jumped straight in right next to it. It is a miracle that a tragedy was avoided that morning.”
Recognizing the imminent danger, village elders contacted regional officials in Tuapejat, leading to the dispatch of military personnel equipped with high-powered rifles to destroy the animal.
The culled crocodile washed ashore two days later. While the kill ignited heated debate online, Koning defended the decision, noting that open-ocean capture was impossible without specialized equipment.
“Anyone who understands crocodile behavior knows that after assessing the human activity and dogs on the beach, it was almost guaranteed to return and set up an ambush nearby for an easy meal,” Koning stated. “Many of us were extremely saddened that this incredible prehistoric apex predator lost its life that day. Personally, I respect the difficult choice the authorities made to eliminate the danger.”
A tragedy was avoided. But an extraordinary animal lost its life. So it goes.
Related: Giant Crocodile Spotted at One of the World’s Best Surf Breaks (Video)