Heroic Twin Awarded King's Gallantry Medal For Rescuing Sister From Crocodile Attack

May 15, 2024

Today's good news story comes from the United Kingdom.

In a dramatic display of bravery and sisterly love, Georgia Laurie has been awarded the prestigious King's Gallantry Medal for saving her twin sister, Melissa, from a life-threatening crocodile attack.

The incident, which took place on June 6th, 2021, in Mexico's Manialtepec Lagoon, turned a serene swimming adventure into a harrowing struggle for survival.

twin sister fights crocodile mexico
Georgia and Melissa Laurie

The Laurie twins, along with friends, were enjoying the bioluminescent waters of a river off the Manialtepec Lagoon, a location deemed safe by locals. The group's joy was shattered when a crocodile suddenly attacked Melissa. Despite efforts to reach the shore, Melissa was dragged underwater by the predator. Georgia, spotting her sister face down in the water, sprang into action without hesitation.

"That's not a sight you want to see," Georgia told GBN. Ignoring the danger, she swam to Melissa, revived her, and helped her regain consciousness. However, the crocodile returned, forcing Georgia into a desperate battle. With one hand, she kept her sister's head above water, while with the other, she fiercely punched the crocodile.

"I managed to get her somewhere more secluded, but it came back a third time. And that's when it death-rolled her in front of me," Georgia recalled. Refusing to give up, Georgia continued to fight the crocodile, sustaining bite injuries to her hand. Her relentless assault eventually made the crocodile release Melissa. "I just punched the heck out of it," she said.

A passing boat rescued the sisters, and they endured a tense 25-minute ride to the shore. Melissa suffered severe injuries, including a complicated open wrist fracture, puncture wounds to her stomach, bowel, intestines, and numerous bites on her leg, foot, and glutes. Despite the ordeal, both sisters have since fully recovered, though the physical and emotional scars remain.

Georgia's extraordinary courage and quick thinking did not go unnoticed. The Gallantry Medal from King Charles III honors civilians who put themselves at risk to save others, a fitting tribute to Georgia's heroism. Upon learning about the award, Georgia expressed her gratitude to the UK Cabinet Office, saying, "It means the world to me. It's the silver lining of the whole event."

Watch the interview with Georgia and Melissa below.