A HAMPSHIRE woman has revealed the trauma her twin sisters endured after a crocodile attack left them hospitalised and fighting for their lives.
Melissa Laurie, and identical twin Georgia, 28, went swimming in a lagoon 10 miles from Puerto Escondido, a popular surfing resort in Mexico, when the attack happened on Sunday (June 6).
The crocodile latched onto Melissa and in a desperate bid to save her, Georgia fought off the crocodile by punching it repeatedly.
The twin’s older sister, Hana Laurie, 33, from Alton, Hampshire, has said she is “so proud” and “overwhelmed with pride” for her sisters “brave” actions.
The pair are both recovering in hospital in Mexico, with Georgia suffering injuries to her hands while Melissa has been placed in a medically-induced coma.
Hana said Melissa’s condition is "delicate" having suffered an open wrist fracture, organ lacerations, internal bleeding, water on her lungs and sepsis.
The twins were volunteering with animals in the country and had been taking a break when the crocodile attacked.
Georgia fought off the crocodile three times: “I felt really proud of her, very proud of her,” Hana said.
“Georgia’s OK, she’s tired, she’s really stressed. I think she’s really frightened but she is awake and has got some wounds on her hands. Melissa’s still in an induced coma.”
Hana said the family were in disbelief when they found out what happened, adding that the event was “so unusual, and so rare” that they “didn’t believe it could happen to them”.
The twins’ elder sister said the pair had booked a tour with a guide through their hostel and the women found out later their tour guide was not registered and had taken them to swimming spot which was not recommended.
“He’s an unlicensed tour guide and according to someone on a Mexican Facebook page he’s been doing it for a while, doing illegal tours in unsafe, unregistered areas,” Hana said.
“He’s gone to where the crocodiles live and not the location where all legal certified sanctioned tours take place. He has been called out locally before, apparently, but that wasn’t for my sisters to know. They found out the information through their hospital.”
The family are now trying to work out if they are able to fly over to Mexico to support the twins, but added it is more difficult due to the cost and Mexico being placed on Britain’s amber list.
Hanah has set up a gofundme page to help raise money to cover the medical costs and flights to Mexico.
A whopping £27,647 has been raised of the £35,000 goal.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of two British women who are in hospital in Mexico, and are in contact with the local authorities.”
To donate, visit the gofundme page here.
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