SAN PEDRO, Ambergris Caye, Thurs. Aug. 15, 2019–An American tourist, 33, vacationing at the southern end of San Pedro escaped death after she was attacked and bitten by a large crocodile while she was swimming at about 9:30 Monday night. People in the area who saw the attack quickly intervened and they were able to force the animal, estimated at 10 to 12 feet in length, to release its grip on her left arm.

The tourist was rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where she received about 100 stitches to her hand and arm. Her wounds are not considered life-threatening.

The tourist, whose name was not revealed by authorities, was reportedly in the sea at that late hour because she was searching for a diamond ring she had lost. She has reportedly flown back home.

The American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES) has begun setting traps to capture the crocodile and relocate it to a sanctuary in Ladyville. Chris Summers, of ACES, in an interview with the San Pedro Sun, said that it is not unusual for a crocodile to be in the sea in the northern or southern parts of San Pedro, but the attack was unusual.

Summers told the newspaper that the crocodile was seen in the sea after the woman was rescued, but the rescuers were not able to capture it. He said that ACES will be working with resorts on the island to erect signs that advise guests against swimming in the sea at night.

The signs will be placed mostly on the properties located on the northern and southern areas of Ambergris Caye, where it is more likely that crocodiles might leave the lagoon and head to the sea.