Crocodile grabs Aussie woman during night swim

The 46-year-old Australian was reportedly swimming with a friend on Sunday evening at Thornton Beach near Cairns in northern Queensland state.

She was in waist-deep water when she was attacked, media reports said. The last fatal attack in the area occurred in 2009, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

“We would hold grave fears for the welfare of the woman,” police spokesman Russell Parker said. Residents told media that the area was a known crocodile habitat.