- Georgia Laurie fought off crocodile that attacked her sister
- Georgia will receive King’s Gallantry medal for her bravery
- Both have since recovered from their injuries
A woman who fought off a crocodile that had attacked her twin sister is to receive a prestigious honour to recognise her bravery.
Georgia Laurie, from Sandhurst in the UK, is to receive the King’s Gallantry Medal for her actions, which saved her sister Melissa’s life.
Repeated punching
The twins had been swimming as part of a guided river tour in Mexico in June 2021 when the crocodile attacked Melissa. The reptile was attempting to drag Melissa under the water, but Georgia intervened, repeatedly punching it in the face until it released its grip and Melissa could be pulled back into the boat.
Melissa was severely injured in the attack, suffering an open fracture to her wrist, as well as severe bite wounds to her abdomen, leg and foot. Georgia was bitten on the hand.
Melissa told the BBC Breakfast show in the UK that she thought she was “a goner” when the crocodile started to drag her under. She added that when back on the boat, her sister sung songs to her to help keep her calm before they got to a hospital.
Annual awards
Georgia is on King Charles III’s first Civilian Gallantry List for her actions. Medals are awarded annually for acts of exemplary bravery. They can be nominated by members of the public, which are then assessed by the George Cross Committee, before being approved by the King.
Since the attack, both sisters have recovered from their injuries. They are planning to swim the Thames marathon later this year to raise money for two charities, PTSD UK and Companeros En Salud, a Mexican charity that provides aid and medical training to communities in Chiapas.
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