British Teen Attacked By Croc In Zambia

A British teenager has been attacked by a crocodile while travelling with friends in Zambia, according to reports.

Amelie Osborn-Smith, from Andover, Hampshire, was attacked whilst whit-water rafting on the Zambezi River, near the famous Victoria Falls. She had been travelling with friends on a gap-year holiday. 

The 18-year-old, who finished her A-levels earlier this year, was said to have been resting her leg over the side of the boat when the crocodile bit her and dragged her under the water.

Her friend acted quickly to save her, reportedly punching the crocodile on the nose, whilst other rafters and guides also jumped in the water to fight the 10ft crocodile off.

Ms. Osborn Smith was eventually airlifted to hospital in Lusaka, 240 miles away from where the incident happened, where she is being treated for her serious leg injuries.

Her father, a former British army officer commented, "She's a very sensible girl, but on this occasion she was being guided by the rafting company and it was on their advice.

"She wasn't actually swimming but just sitting on the boat and the crocodile saw her leg dangling in the water and the crocodile clamped its jaws onto her leg and dragged her under the water.”

"Obviously with a crocodile bite there's a huge risk of infection and she's got a very severely damaged leg.”

"It's quite a distressing situation.

"She has been stabilised as best they can but it's still pretty touch-and-go and we're trying to arrange appropriate consultants here.

In addition, Zambia is on the UK red list for travel, complicating her route home to seek further treatment.

The horrific story is a reminder that the Zambezi River, whilst a poplar destination for water sports and wonderful views, is also home to a number of vicious animals, including crocodiles.