Marine Scientist Severely Hurt in Costa Rica Shark Encounter

A marine biologist from Mexico suffered severe injuries following a shark encounter during his research near Costa Rica's Pacific shoreline. Officials reported that he was subsequently transported to a hospital in San José on Monday.

The Costa Rican Fire Department successfully rescued 48-year-old Mauricio Hoyos on Saturday after the incident, embarking on a 36-hour trek from Cocos Island, situated approximately 340 miles from the mainland. Despite sustaining grave injuries to his head, face, and arms, Hoyos reached medical care in a stable condition.

Luis Fernández, a fire department medic, explained, "Mauricio was affixing tracking devices to local wildlife when a shark reacted aggressively. The creature was approximately 4 meters long and had significant bite strength, turning suddenly to bite him on the cranium."

Research Mission and Community Support

Leading a scientific mission for the One Ocean Worldwide Coalition, Hoyos collaborated with groups like Fins Attached and the Sharkwater Foundation, focusing his endeavors on shark preservation.

Alex Antoniou, from Fins Attached, mentioned on social media, "Such events are exceedingly uncommon. Dr. Hoyos is an exceptional researcher devoted to shark preservation, and we're profoundly thankful for the solidarity shown by the Cocos Island inhabitants during this challenging period."

Cocos Island: A Haven for Marine Diversity

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Cocos Island is a prominent Costa Rican national park celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity, particularly its shark populations.

This location is a favorite among divers, as noted by the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy, which identifies around 14 shark species in the region, including whale, hammerhead, and tiger sharks.