MANILA, Philippines — A saltwater crocodile 2.5 meters long was caught off Diniwid Beach in Boracay late Thursday.
According to reports, the crocodile was first spotted in the morning at Sinagpa Beach, prompting authorities to ban swimming in three of the island’s stations until the reptile was caught or rescued.
The Malay town government said members of the Philippine Coast Guard – Boracay, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), lifeguards, volunteers and residents were able to find and rescue the crocodile at around 4 p.m. off Diniwid Beach.
The crocodile, which weighed between 50 to 60 kilos, was brought to the CENRO in Barangay Napaan, Malay.
The CENRO said the reptile measured 2.5 meters in length, with a body width of 25.5 centimeters.
It was believed that the crocodile got lost and was swept to the island amid the onslaught of Typhoon Carina.