Marine Biologist Hospitalized After Serious Shark Attack Off Costa Rica’s Cocos Island
Marine Biologist Hospitalized After Serious Shark Attack Off Costa Rica’s Cocos Island
A Mexican marine biologist, Mauricio Hoyos, is recovering in stable condition in a Costa Rican hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a shark attack off Cocos Island. The incident occurred on Saturday, leading to a complex 36-hour rescue operation that concluded with his transfer to a capital hospital on Monday.
Hoyos, 48, was conducting scientific research, tagging shark species for monitoring as part of a One Ocean Worldwide Coalition expedition, when a approximately 4-meter-long shark unexpectedly turned and bit him on the head, face, and arms. Despite the severity of his injuries, he arrived at the hospital in stable condition.
Luis Fernández, a physician with Costa Rica’s Fire Department, described the shark’s immense bite force. Alex Antoniou, executive director of Fins Attached, one of the collaborating organizations, highlighted the rarity of such incidents and praised Dr. Hoyos’s dedication to shark conservation.
Cocos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Costa Rican national park, is renowned for its diverse marine life, particularly its shark populations, making it a popular destination for divers. Authorities have noted that incidents of this nature are extremely uncommon in the area.
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