Mauricio Hoyos, a marine biologist with over 30 years of experience studying sharks, survived an attack by a Galapagos shark while on a research trip in Costa Rica in September. The incident occurred at a depth of 40 meters when Hoyos attempted to tag the shark. After being bitten, he recalled feeling the pressure of the shark’s jaws on his head and neck before it released him. He described the encounter as a quick “bite,” comparing it to a dog’s behavior when feeling threatened.
Following the attack, Hoyos found himself in a precarious situation as his diving apparatus was damaged, severing his oxygen supply. Despite his injuries, he used training techniques to surface safely. He swam carefully to avoid attracting the shark and reached the surface after a tense ascent. Once pulled aboard the boat, Hoyos received immediate medical attention. He reported that although the bite had caused significant wounds, the pain did not become apparent until later, attributing this lack of pain to the adrenaline coursing through him at the time.
Medical professionals later confirmed that he was fortunate to avoid any infections following the surgery to treat his injuries. Hoyos, who has previously marked sharks for research purposes, expressed a desire to encounter the same shark again and emphasized the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems. He plans to resume diving later this month and is committed to raising awareness about shark conservation. Hoyos remains hopeful about the shark’s recovery and the potential for future encounters, underscoring the need for understanding and protecting these marine animals.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0ep00g3ydo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss