A man is lucky to be alive after crashing his boat in crocodile-infested waters in the Northern Territory.
Jayden Stockbridge was operating his boat on Darwin's Middle Arm when he ploughed into mangroves.
Describing the moment as like Neo dodging bullets in The Matrix, the fishing enthusiast managed to avoid most of the mangroves, however he couldn't escape them all and was knocked unconscious.
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When he woke up, he discovered his boat was wrecked and he was now in a very precarious situation.
Speaking to The NT News, Jayden said: "I don't know how but when I came to, the bow was up in the tree and a brand new 750 Yammy [Yamaha motor] on the back was underwater."
He quickly noticed a three-metre-long crocodile was eyeing him for its next meal.
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Realising it was a life or death situation, Jayden decided to get creative with his approach to warding off the croc.
"I threw my stubbies at it, full ones too," he said. "I'd rather drink them but you've got to hit the croc with something and they were only midis.
"It disappeared and then I called the police.
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"The whole tank of fuel was leaking and I didn't light my darts because of it and I don't usually miss out on a dart. It was an expensive packet as well."
Thankfully, passing fishermen came across the wreck and helped get Jayden back on solid ground. He was transported to hospital where he was told he'd suffered a ripped bicep and a broken nose. At least he's got a pretty awesome story to tell.
Police have confirmed the incident happened and say Jayden is incredible lucky to be alive.
NT Police Northern Watch Commander Greg Pusterla told The NT News: "A 30-year-old man called emergency services, reporting he was operating a boat, when apparently the throttle has become stuck, causing the boat to crash into the mangroves, resulting in the bow of the boat rising and the stern sinking into the water."
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If this isn't the most Australian story of 2020 then we don't know what is.
Featured Image Credit: PA