Marine biologist mauled by shark near Cocos Island

In Costa Rica, a Mexican marine biologist named Mauricio Hoyos was severely injured in a shark attack while conducting research on Cocos Island, which lies approximately 340 miles off the country's Pacific coast. The incident occurred on a Saturday, with authorities reporting that Hoyos was rescued by Costa Rica's Fire Department and taken on a demanding 36-hour journey back to the mainland for medical treatment. Upon arrival at a hospital in the capital, he was found to be in stable condition, despite suffering serious injuries to his head, face, and arms caused by the shark bite. Hoyos was leading a scientific expedition organized under the One Ocean Worldwide Coalition, an initiative focused on marine conservation that involves several organizations dedicated to the protection of marine species. During the expedition, he was involved in tagging shark species as part of a monitoring project when the unexpected attack occurred. Witnesses and officials noted that the shark, measuring about 4 meters in length and possessing a powerful bite force, turned on him at the moment he tagged it, leading to the critical injuries he sustained. Alex Antoniou, executive director of Fins Attached, a member organization of the coalition, spoke about the rarity of such incidents, emphasizing that they are not common in the region known for its diverse marine life, particularly species of sharks. Costa Rica's Cocos Island is recognized not only as a national park but also as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued for its biodiversity and ecological importance. The island is known to host a variety of shark species, including hammerhead and whale sharks, making it a popular destination for divers and marine researchers alike. Historically, Cocos Island has had other shark attack incidents, including a notable case in 2017 when an American woman was killed by a tiger shark while diving in the area. This information, along with the recent attack on Hoyos, raises concerns about marine safety while simultaneously spotlighting the ongoing efforts for shark conservation that the scientific community advocates. Despite the dangers, researchers like Hoyos remain committed to understanding and preserving marine ecosystems, underscoring the balance between exploration and the threats posed by nature.