The global surfing community was left stunned (once again) after a massive, 16-foot (5-meter) saltwater crocodile infiltrated the lineup at HT’s (Lance’s Right) in Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands—a harrowing encounter that culminated in local authorities making the difficult decision to shoot and kill the prehistoric apex predator.

The drama unfolded at first light on Thursday, October 15, as surfers paddled into clean four-foot peelers. Dave Crouch, operator of Asia Surf Charters Sumatra aboard the KM Asia , spoke directly with SURFER about the incident to give the details.

He had just anchored when his crew spotted the massive reptile. See footage here :

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Crouch told SURFER:

“Paul, my photographer, had decided to get an early start, so he and Anggie, my deckhand, were heading towards the beach to set up for the morning. That was when Anggie spotted what he thought was a crocodile. Paul, however, thought it was just a piece of timber, so the boys went over for a closer look.…