Donald McLeod, left, with his grandson Donny Imberlong.
Donald McLeod, left, with his grandson Donny Imberlong.
Donald McLeod is something of a hero in his hometown of Kalumburu in Western Australia.
In September last year he saved the life of Melbourne-based New Zealander Ryan Blair, 37, from the jaws of a monster 6m crocodile which had chased him onto a remote island.
Mr McLeod and hisgrandson Donny Imberlong were in Rotorua recently and stayed at Ann's Volcanic Rotorua Motel and Serviced Apartments.
He shouted his grandson the trip to New Zealand to celebrate his entering university in Australia.
Mr Blair got trapped on the remote Governor Islands after the crocodile followed him while he was trying to paddle his kayak to the mainland.
He spent almost two weeks on the island and was running out of water and energy. Every time he tried to leave, the crocodile would be waiting for him. He was extremely relieved when Mr McLeod arrived on his dinghy to save him.
Mr McLeod said he had spotted a light shining from the island about 2km away.
"Ryan was very lucky to be saved," he said. He said very few people would pass by the island Mr Blair was stranded on.
