A woman is feared dead after being taken by a crocodile in the Daintree National Park, north of Cairns in far north Queensland.

Cindy Waldron, 46, from Lithgow in New South Wales, was swimming with a friend at Thornton Beach near Cape Tribulation about 10:30pm on Sunday.

Senior Constable Russell Parker said the women were waist-deep in the water when one of them was taken by the crocodile.

“It’s certainly very, very concerning at this stage and we would hold grave fears for the welfare of the woman,” he said.

“Her 47-year-old friend tried to grab her and drag her to safety and she just wasn’t able to do that.

“It would be very, very distressing for her.

“The 47-year-old then ran to a nearby business and raised the alarm, and from that point police and other authorities were advised.

“They had been walking along the beach and they’ve decided to go for a swim just in waist-deep water at Thornton Beach and probably a very nice, clear night, but obviously may not have been aware of the dangers.”