Current:Home > NewsWoman who fought off crocodile to save her twin sister honored by King Charles III -Aspire Money Growth
Woman who fought off crocodile to save her twin sister honored by King Charles III
View
Date:2025-04-15 16:05:37
An English woman who fought a crocodile off her twin sister will be honored with a medal celebrating her "exemplary bravery," the U.K. government announced.
Georgia Laurie will receive the King's Gallantry Medal from King Charles III, an award that honors civilians who have acted courageously.
Laurie and her twin sister Melissa Laurie were on an excursion in Mexico in June 2021 when they were told by a guide they could safely swim in a river, according to a news release announcing Laurie's award. While in the water, Melissa Laurie spotted the crocodile and alerted others in the group to swim for safety. Melissa Laurie was "snatched" by the reptile.
Georgia heard her sister's "screams for help," the news release said, and jumped back into the water to find her sister. Another member of the group pointed out Melissa was lying face-down and unconscious in the water. Georgia managed to "revive" her sister, but the crocodile returned before the pair were out of the water.
The crocodile approached again, biting Melissa and beginning to drag her away by the ankle. Georgia fought the crocodile, punching it on the nose, all while making sure her sister's head stayed above water. The crocodile was eventually "deterred," the news release said, and Georgia was able to drag her sister to a "more secluded area" so she could begin treating the injuries she had sustained.
As Georgia attended to her sister, the crocodile returned again, performing something called a "death roll." In this, crocodiles grab their prey and spin it, attempting to kill and dismember their victim. Georgia again punched the crocodile. This time, the reptile bit her on the hand, but Georgia continued to fight off the crocodile and defend her sister.
Finally, the crocodile retreated for good, and the two sisters were able to get to a nearby boat and be transported away from the area. Georgia Laurie told the BBC that she thought her sister had died, and Melissa said that her sister worked to keep her calm as they fled the area.
"I could feel myself losing grip of our bond when I was on the boat," Melissa Laurie told the BBC. "I was saying 'Hug me Georgia, hug me I'm dying'... I was biting onto her shoulder to stay connected to her. She sang 'Stand By Me' and 'Don't Worry About A Thing' - she sang them on repeat to keep me calm. She was so brave."
Melissa Laurie sustained an open fracture to her wrist, severe puncture wounds to her abdomen, and "many injuries to her leg and foot," according to the news release. She survived the attack "almost entirely due to the exceptional bravery of her sister," the news release said.
Melissa Laurie also developed sepsis in the hospital where she was being treated, and was placed into a medically induced coma, the BBC reported. She eventually recovered.
Georgia Laurie told the BBC she felt "really privileged" to be awarded with the King's Gallantry Medal.
"It's a silver lining to have come out of this terrible ordeal," she told the BBC. "It's an honour, I was so shocked when I received the letter (announcing her award) because I didn't see it coming, I didn't expect it. What's made this story so incredible is Melissa's unwavering bravery throughout it all because she was so strong during it and I don't think I would be here without her, she really gave me the strength to keep fighting."
The two sisters plan to swim England's Thames Marathon in August. They are hoping to raise about $5,000 for two causes, one dedicated to treating PTSD in the United Kingdom and one that provides essential aid and medical training to communities in Mexico.
- In:
- Crocodile
- United Kingdom
Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News' TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
TwitterveryGood! (9)
Related
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- How many points did Cooper Flagg score tonight? Freshman gets double-double despite cramps
- Stocks rally again. Dow and S&P 500 see best week this year after big Republican win
- Ja'Marr Chase shreds Ravens again to set season mark for receiving yards against one team
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Rare Sephora Deals on Beauty Devices That Never Go On Sale: Dyson Airwrap, NuFace & More
- Kirk Herbstreit's late dog Ben gets emotional tribute on 'College GameDay,' Herbstreit cries on set
- FEMA: Worker fired after directing workers to avoid helping hurricane survivors who supported Trump
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- See Michelle Yeoh Debut Blonde Bob at the Wicked's L.A. Premiere
Ranking
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- How to Think About Climate and Environmental Policies During a Second Trump Administration
- Kirk Herbstreit's late dog Ben gets emotional tribute on 'College GameDay,' Herbstreit cries on set
- Normani Details Her Wickedly Incredible Friendship With Ariana Grande
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Cowboys' Micah Parsons poised to make his return vs. Eagles in Week 10
- ACLU asks Arizona Supreme Court to extend ‘curing’ deadline after vote-count delays
- North Carolina governor picks labor chief to serve until next commissioner is sworn in
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Longtime Blazers broadcaster Brian Wheeler dies at 62
Brianna LaPaglia Says Zach Bryan Freaked the F--k Out at Her for Singing Morgan Wallen Song
Who is racing for 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship? Final four drivers, odds, stats
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Rare Sephora Deals on Beauty Devices That Never Go On Sale: Dyson Airwrap, NuFace & More
Kohl’s unveils Black Friday plans: Here’s when customers can expect deals
Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez wins reelection in Washington’s closely watched 3rd District