CROCODILES

BEFORE the 1980s, there were few crocodiles about the crossing, but in May 1987, old mate, Kerry McLoughlin, was fishing the run-off, the period after the Wet when the plains and rivers drain and the barramundi come on the bite

There were other people fishing on the causeway as the road had just opened. Kerry waded across and had a few casts on the Arnhem Land side before returning, the water knee-deep and running strongly Upstream, the head of a big crocodile surfaced alongside him Those who saw it yelled warnings, but the current noise was too strong – the cries went unheard

Suddenly Kerry saw the croc and ran forward, the high water and current hindering his progress He fell and slipped off the crossing and swam to the high muddy bank where willing hands were reaching down to help him up, but to no avail as the living nightmare of the tropics leaped up, grabbed him about the head and shoulders and performed the dreaded death roll below the horrified witnesses There have been more attacks, and due to the nature of stupid people, others will become victims.

Today, there are more than 120 crocodiles within 2km of the crossing. Twice a day the tide (up to 8m) pushes up from the Van Diemen Gulf, 100km downstream, to a few kilometres upstream from Cahills. When currents collide with the crossing, it creates powerful and dangerous conditions and drivers, mostly locals, end up in the water when vehicles are washed off it As far as I know there have been no serious attacks on people in the water, even though they swim for their lives in the deeper sections – some clutching desperately on to their children.