After her guide told her that the river was safe, a British student was able to keep a crocodile from eating her foot while on gap year in Zambia.
Amelie Osborn Smith, of Andover in Hampshire, was enjoying whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River, below Victoria Falls, Zambia, when the 10-foot beast attacked her. She put her in a ‘death roll.
Brent Osborn-Smith, 60, an Army Major-turned-osteopath, told The Sun:
“The group stopped to eat lunch on a peaceful stretch between the rapids.
“They were advised by guides to go for a quick dip to cool off. The area was considered safe.
Amelie, (pictured) is at the hospital in Zambia. There she underwent life-saving surgery. According to her father, she has an injured leg.
He stated that Amelie had fought back with great courage.
Brent claimed that Amelie, despite suffering serious injuries to her legs as well as a dislocated shoulder, did not lose consciousness or cry.
Amelie’s friend told us that Amelie’s male friend dived into the water immediately and started to punch the crocodile fiercely.
“Then, others joined in and helped. The chaos was overwhelming. The streets were swarming with people and there was much blood. She’s lucky to be alive.
The guides and fellow rafters also leapt into the river in a bid to save her.
Osborn Smith was flown 240 miles to Lusaka, Zambia where surgeons carried out a life-saving surgery and were able to save her leg.
The friend said that eventually the croc surrendered and she was pulled back into her boat.
She was very badly injured. They treated her as best as they could, and then organized an emergency medical evacuation.
His father had previously stated that the 18-year-old daughter was lying on her back over the boat’s side when the crocodile grabbed at her calf, and then dragged it under the water.
“She’s currently in a very bad place in Zambia at the moment and we’re trying our best to get her back so that she can receive proper, definitive care.”
Amelie is backpacking after finishing her A-levels at the £22,000-a-year St Swithun’s School, an all-girls boarding school in Winchester, was only saved by a quick-thinking male friend who punched the animal on the nose until it let go.
Amelie, who attended the £22,000-a-year St Swithun’s School, was rafting near Victoria Falls (pictured) in waters that guides had told her were safe when the crocodile attacked her
Amelie’s father Brent Osborn-Smith (above) told MailOnline of the horrific croc attack
The woman was flown to Lusaka, Zambia for emergency surgery and to repair her broken leg.
According to Mr Osborn Smith, “She is a sensible girl. But on this occasion, she was being led by the rafting company. It was their advice.”
“She was not actually swimming, but she was just sitting on the boat. The crocodile noticed her leg hanging in the water and clamped onto it. She was then dragged under the water.
Brent has described the problems he faces in bringing his daughter from Zambia home.
He told MailOnline: ‘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 was stabilized, however it’s not perfect. We’re still trying to find the best consultants.
“The Covid redlist now includes Zambia, which means there are many hoops to jump through.
Amelie (pictured at right), 52-year-old Amelie’s mother Veronika Osborn Smith is a German Baroness. She was white water Rafting with Bundu Rafting in Livingstone, Zambia.
Amelie was grabbed by the crocodile as it floated over the boat. The reptile then pulled her into the water. A male friend beat the reptile.
Amelie, whose mother Veronika Osborn-Smith is a German Baroness, 52, was white water rafting with Bundu Rafting based in Livingstone, Zambia.
The firm’s spokesperson confirmed Amelie was with them on the trip, but did not provide further information.
Livingstone-based company says safety is the most important thing when engaging in adrenaline-inducing and risky adventure activities. Since 1996, the company has operated in Victoria Falls.
It is considered the finest whitewater rafting adventure in the world, with swift challenges interspersed between tranquil pools.