Marine Researcher Survives 9-Foot Shark Attack Off Costa Rica
Dr. Mauricio Hoyos, a marine researcher, was attacked by a 9-foot Galápagos shark while diving off Cocos Island, Costa Rica, during a research expedition in September 2022. Despite sustaining 27 injuries, Dr. Hoyos, who represented 'Mission Blue', does not blame the shark for the attack.
The incident occurred as Dr. Hoyos and his team were studying shark ridge areas around Cocos Island. During the tagging process, a shark attacked Dr. Hoyos, likely in surprise and to protect its personal space. The shark's teeth punctured his jaw, face, and scalp through his scuba mask.
Dr. Hoyos believes the shark could have killed him but released him after feeling his skull. He calmly swam to the surface, careful not to rush decompression, despite his air hoses being severed. Dr. Alex Antoniou, director of Fins Attached, attributes Dr. Hoyos' calm response to his understanding of shark behavior. After the attack, Dr. Hoyos was treated by medics on Cocos Island before being taken to a mainland hospital for surgery.
Dr. Hoyos' attack serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting marine wildlife. Despite the ordeal, Dr. Hoyos does not blame the shark, highlighting the need for further research and conservation efforts to protect both sharks and humans in our shared ocean environments.
