The sea once again reminded us that it is a territory of the unpredictable. On a research dive off the remote Cocos Island, Costa Rica, Mexican marine biologist Mauricio Hoyos suffered a bite on the head of a shark and, against all odds, came out alive.
The episode occurred during a scientific campaign to tag sharks and study its movements. Hoyos himself, 48, said that the animal's reaction was instant and defensive, a mutual underwater scare that ended with a race-to-the-clock rescue.
Attack during a scientific dive
The day began like so many others: adjusted team, rigorous controls and gradual descent to the 37 depth metersAt that point, the team spotted a Galapagos shark about 2,7 meters long, the target of the marking program for conservation purposes.
Hoyos aimed and launched a tag that embedded itself in the base of the shark's dorsal fin. It was then that the animal turned quickly and, in a sharp movement, he lunged at the researcher, initiating a critical moment that lasted only seconds.
The critical moment and the shark's reaction
According to the scientist, the shark opened its mouth completely and swallowed his head for a second. He heard a crunching sound that he identified as pressure on the skull and as soon as the animal noticed the contact with the bone, it dropped it and swam away.
Between the adrenaline and the lack of visibility, Hoyos saw the shadow of the shark moving away twice. He says that, had he persisted, the outcome would have been different. His interpretation is clear: it was a surprised response after marking, not a predatory attack.
Injuries, damaged equipment and controlled ascent
The bite left multiple cuts on the scalp and face; there was talk of 27 puncture wounds and stitches, as well as jaw discomfort. The mask was twisted and flooded with water and blood, complicating any maneuver. Similar cases of shark attack on tourist coasts have rekindled the debate on security.
The shark's teeth severed the air hoses of the team, which required a careful ascent to avoid aggravating the risk of decompression sickness. With short exhalations and a cool head, the scientist began the ascent until he reached the surface.
Once outside, his expedition companions secured him to the skiff and transported him to Cocos Island, where he received first aid by park staff before being evacuated to the mainland. He later recounted what had happened from a hospital in San José.
Trajectory and objective of the expedition
Hoyos led the team in an investigation into the migratory corridors sharks along an underwater mountain range off Cocos Island, more than 600 kilometers from the mainland. The mission had departed from Costa Rica on September 20, and the encounter occurred on the sixth day of diving.
With more than three decades of experience, the Mexican has marked white, tiger and hammerhead sharks, as well as whale sharks. He directs the conservation organization Pelagios Kakunjá, based in La Paz (Mexico), and in this campaign collaborated with the Fins Attached Marine Research and Conservation group.
Alex Antoniou, head of Fins Attached, stressed that Hoyos' experience and composure made the difference: his reaction was calm and effective, a response that comes from understanding shark behavior and training for extreme scenarios.
Shark Behavior and Water Safety
The team interprets the incident as a case of close defenseThe tagged female didn't see the diver approaching, felt the tag's sting, and executed a warning bite to clear her space. Galapagos sharks, apex predators, generally show less fear of humans, which makes tagging easier, but also requires additional precautions.
The expedition insists that the objective of the study is to strengthen protection measures against commercial fishing and better understand the movements of these key species. The coexistence of science and wildlife involves risks; minimizing them requires strict protocols, training, and respect for the animals' natural behavior.
The case of Mauricio Hoyos leaves a powerful image: a veteran investigator who, after a extraordinary meeting At 37 meters, he managed to stay calm, save his life, and provide valuable information on how to interact with large sharks in conservation contexts.
