Overview
- Mauricio Hoyos, 48, was bitten during a One Ocean Worldwide research mission near Isla del Coco while tagging a Galápagos shark.
- Costa Rica’s firefighters stabilized him and managed a 36‑hour sea evacuation from the island about 550 km offshore to Puntarenas, followed by transfer to a private hospital in the capital.
- He sustained severe injuries to his head, face, scalp and arms, underwent surgery, and remains under intensive observation with a stable condition.
- Expedition partners and conservation organizations described the event as highly unusual and expressed support for the veteran scientist’s recovery.
- Participant accounts say the shark briefly enclosed his head, damaging his mask and air hoses before he was assisted to the surface.