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Huge crocodile joins sharks circling couple's boat in Kimberley region

Keith and Marg Thomas weren't the only ones chilling in a quiet creek in WA's Kimberly recently.

The adventurous grandparents were joined on their sojourn by the oddest of couples - sharks and crocodiles.

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Croc and sharks hanging out

Footage of an unusual meeting between a group of sharks and a crocodile.

The rare encounter was captured on film while the pair were relaxing in the Hunter River System, at Porosus Creek in the Kimberley.

The Thomas' left Perth on their 52-foot boat Ambition 15 months ago and are about to begin their journey home from the vast Kimberley region.

The odd couple square up for the first time at Porosus Creek.
The odd couple square up for the first time at Porosus Creek. Photo: Caters

Mrs Thomas said lemon sharks were often frolicking around the back of their boat but it was the first time a croc had joined the party.

"On this day a cheeky crocodile came in for a 'looksee' as well," she said.

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"They were not bothered by each other at all, they swam around for about a minute with each other... they were just interested in the boat.

"Then they disappeared off in their own directions."

Lemon sharks had been stalking the Thomas couple for some time.
Lemon sharks had been stalking the Thomas couple for some time. Photo: Caters

The Fremantle couple, who have three children, five grandchildren and 44 years of marriage together, own a heavy earth-moving business in Rockingham but had been planning a long, adventurous sail for some time.

Fellow passenger Julie Tink, from Lesmurdie, filmed the encounter and said it was quite novel.   

The rare encounter was captured while the pair were relaxing in the Kimberley.
The rare encounter was captured while the pair were relaxing in the Kimberley. Photo: Caters

"We have a healthy respect for them (crocodiles) as they have caused many deaths but they are quite amazing creatures," she said.  

"When they sink below the surface there is not even a ripple to show where they had been, and they can move at great speed."

Keith Thomas and his wife Marg took off from Perth in May 2015.
Keith Thomas and his wife Marg took off from Perth in May 2015. Photo: Caters

Ms Tink said the trio were initially frightened of the sharks circling their boat but those fears eased as encounters increased.

"Quite early in our travels, in Dugong Bay, we started to have lemon sharks circling our boats when we anchored," she said.  

Marg Thomas said the predators appeared to be interested in the boat.
Marg Thomas said the predators appeared to be interested in the boat. Photo: Caters

"Initially it was a bit unnerving but we all got accustomed to having them around.

"As we moved further north we started to see crocodiles and again it was quite unnerving when they first appeared.

"At times we definitely felt like we were being stalked."

Suspense was in the air when the two predators came face to face in front of them.

"We were all waiting to see what would happen.  The croc was cruising in, and the sharks just swam over and under the croc," Ms Tink said.

"One actually appeared to rub its back on the underside of the croc with no reaction. 

"We did get accustomed to having them around also, they are just a constant.

"Whether you can see them or not, they are there."

- with Caters

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