By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — COCOS ISLAND, Puntarenas – In a remote corner of Costa Rica’s most isolated national park, a veteran park ranger has survived an ordeal that doctors are calling nothing short of a miracle. Maynor Zúñiga, 53, endured a terrifying 45-meter fall from a cliff, surviving catastrophic injuries and a grueling, multi-day rescue mission hampered by severe weather.
The incident occurred while Zúñiga was performing his duties on the rugged terrain of Cocos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site located approximately 550 kilometers off the Pacific coast. He had been searching for a stable telephone signal to report a recent landslide when the ground beneath him gave way, sending him plummeting down the precipice.
Beyond its legendary tales of pirate treasure, Cocos Island is a national treasure governed by a complex and stringent legal framework. To shed light on the regulations that protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its surrounding marine ecosystem, we consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Cocos Island’s legal armor is formidable, stemming from its dual status as a National Park and a World Heritage Site. This classification legally prohibits any form of commercial exploitation, resource extraction, or permanent human settlement. From a legal standpoint, the island exists in a state of perpetual conservation. The primary challenge is not the strength of our laws, but the logistical difficulty of enforcing them over 500 kilometers from the mainland, making international cooperation and technological surveillance critical tools in safeguarding this invaluable global asset against illegal fishing and biopiracy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert insight perfectly frames the core challenge: our nation’s legal commitment to Cocos Island is resolute, yet its protection is a constant logistical battle against distance and illicit activities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores that safeguarding this natural treasure hinges on innovative enforcement and unwavering international partnership.
The impact was devastating. Lying broken at the bottom of the cliff, Zúñiga was certain his life was over. He recalled the immediate, chilling thought that flashed through his mind at the moment of impact. His colleagues, who later reached him, confirmed the gravity of his condition.
When I hit the ground, the only thing I thought was: I’m dead. That’s what I managed to think. My colleagues told me I was in serious condition and had many injuries.
Maynor Zúñiga, Cocos Island Park Ranger
What followed was an agonizing test of endurance. Zúñiga lay injured and exposed for nine excruciating hours before the first paramedics could reach him. The accident happened around 9:30 a.m., but help didn’t arrive until 6:45 p.m. The challenges, however, had only just begun. Treacherous weather conditions made an immediate evacuation impossible, forcing rescue teams to suspend their efforts for a full day as Zúñiga waited.
It wasn’t until nearly four days after the fall that the rescue team successfully navigated the difficult conditions and transported him to the island’s facilities at Wafer Bay. Despite the immense pain from his injuries, the moment of extraction was one of profound relief and gratitude for the veteran ranger.
When they got me out, I was just groaning, but happy because I was finally getting out.
Maynor Zúñiga, Cocos Island Park Ranger
The full extent of his injuries became clear once he received medical attention. The fall, which impacted his left side, resulted in multiple fractured ribs and a shattered left shoulder. Internally, the damage was even more severe; doctors had to drain nearly a liter of blood from his right lung and another 600 milliliters from his left.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of his survival relates to his spine. Medical specialists were stunned when they reviewed his scans, finding the damage so significant that they considered his ability to move his arms and legs to be medically inexplicable. They did not hesitate to label his recovery as miraculous.
The doctors were amazed that I had movement after the spinal injuries. They basically told me it was a miracle.
Maynor Zúñiga, Cocos Island Park Ranger
Zúñiga’s incredible story of survival highlights not only his personal resilience but also the inherent dangers faced by the dedicated personnel who protect Costa Rica’s most pristine and isolated natural treasures. His long road to recovery is just beginning, but his survival against impossible odds stands as a testament to the human spirit’s will to live.
For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About Cocos Island National Park:
Cocos Island National Park is a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and lush tropical rainforests. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it is often called the “Island of Treasures” and is a world-famous destination for scuba divers seeking to observe large pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks, rays, and dolphins. The park is managed by Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) and plays a critical role in global marine conservation efforts.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a dual foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of legal excellence. Leveraging its extensive experience serving a wide array of clients, the firm not only champions innovative legal solutions but also actively engages with the public. This core philosophy drives its mission to democratize legal understanding, contributing to the development of a well-informed and empowered citizenry.
