Woman who fought off crocodile to save her twin sister honored by King Charles III

(CBS News) — 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.

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