Lifesavers thanked

A woman who was attacked by a crocodile in a remote Kimberley bay says she saw her life flash before her eyes when the 2m-long animal grabbed her leg and pulled her underwater.

Speaking out for the first time about the ordeal, 23-yearold Tara Hawkes said she would not be alive today if it was not for the two men that came to her rescue.

Ms Hawkes was reunited with her two heroes, Alan Sartori and Mike Fletcher, at the Western Power Bravery Awards on Saturday.

Mr Sartori received the Merit Bravery award while Mr Fletcher was honoured with the Gold Medallion Bravery award.

A crew member onboard adventure cruise ship True North, Ms Hawkes was swimming at a freshwater pool at Talbot Bay about 200km north of Broome when she was attacked in waist-deep water on April 1.

The crocodile bit her upper leg and dragged her under. Ms Hawkes described the terrifying scene in detail today, thanking Mr Sartori and Mr Fletcher for saving her life.

““If it wasn’t for these two brave men I wouldn’t be here today.”

Mr Sartori jumped onto the back of the crocodile while Mr Fletcher tried to keep Ms Hawke’s head above the water.

The two men then fought to pry open the animal’s jaws and free Ms Hawkes’ leg.

Ms Hawke was then taken back to the cruise ship for treatment before being airlifted by helicopter to Derby Hospital.