23.11.2025 12:41
Marine biologist Hoyos, who has over 30 years of experience studying sharks in their natural habitats, was attacked by a shark while on a research trip in Costa Rica in September. Hoyos, who still bears the marks of the attack on his face, describes the healing process as "incredible" and even expressed hope of encountering his attacker again. The scientist emphasized that his respect for sharks has increased, stating, "This animal saved my life."
Marine biologist Mauricio Hoyos experienced one of the most frightening moments of his life during a research trip in Costa Rica in September. When a female Galapagos shark, measuring between 3 to 3.5 meters, suddenly lunged at him, Hoyos ducked his head to protect his jugular vein.
DEEP WOUNDS ON THE FACE AND HEAD AREA
He felt the shark's jaw make contact with his cheek and head, but the animal released him shortly after. However, the Galapagos shark's 29 saw-like teeth not only left deep wounds on Hoyos's face and head but also severed the oxygen connection of his diving equipment.
INCREASED RESPECT FOR SHARKS
The experienced biologist, without panicking, used his second oxygen hose to adjust the pressure of the regulator with his lips and coordinatedly reached the surface. When he was pulled to the shore, a medical team was ready; most of his wounds healed quickly without infection. Hoyos emphasizes that after the attack, his respect for sharks has increased, and he has a better understanding of their critical roles in the ocean ecosystem.
Despite this, Hoyos's curiosity and passion have not diminished. He plans to dive at Cocos Island next January and hopes to encounter the shark he faced that day again. His successful ability to attach the device despite the attack still offers him the opportunity to observe. The scar on his cheek stands as a tangible proof of his survival and his commitment to shark conservation.
"IT SPARED MY LIFE"
Hoyos states that the shark, which attacked him and then immediately released him, in a sense spared his life, saying, "This scar is proof of the female shark that spared my life. Thanks to her, I will continue to advocate for the importance of sharks and protect the oceans."