Woman honored by King Charles for saving twin sister from crocodile attack

According to the 2024 Civilian Gallantry List released on the official website of the U.K. government last week, Georgia Laurie, 31, was on an excursion in Mexico with her twin sister and others on June 6, 2021, when a guide wrongly informed them that they could safely swim in a river off the Manialtepec Lagoon in Puerto Escondido.

While in the water, her sister, Melissa Laurie noticed a crocodile about 15 m away, so she warned Georgia and the others to swim to safety.

Suddenly, the crocodile grabbed Melissa just as she was being pulled onto the bank by another member of their group.

By that time, Georgia had already reached the shore.

She heard her sister's screams, so she jumped back into the water to rescue her sister who was floating face down and unconscious.

Georgia managed to revive her twin, but the crocodile returned.

Georgia fought off the crocodile by punching it on the nose with one fist while ensuring her sister's head stayed above water with her other hand.

The crocodile retreated but returned again.

During the process of retrieving her sister, Georgia continued being attacked, before a passing boat rescued them, according to CNN.

Melissa suffered an open fracture in her wrist, severe puncture wounds to the abdomen and many injuries to her leg and foot.

Speaking to the media, Georgia described the award as "a silver lining" to their traumatic ordeal.

"What made this story so incredible is Melissa's unwavering bravery throughout it all because she was so strong during it and I don't think I would be here without her, she really gave me the strength to keep fighting," she told the Guardian.

Melissa revealed to BBC that while fighting the crocodile, Georgia sang "Stand by Me" and "Don't Worry About a Thing" repeatedly to keep Melissa calm. 

"We are much closer now as a result of what happened," Georgia told BBC.