By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – In a harrowing incident that underscores the unpredictable nature of marine research, world-renowned shark expert Dr. Mauricio Hoyos was attacked by a Galapagos shark on Saturday, September 27th, in the waters surrounding Costa Rica’s remote Cocos Island. The Mexican national, a leading figure in marine biology, sustained significant injuries to his head and face during the encounter.
The attack occurred under circumstances of profound irony. On the very day he was mauled, Dr. Hoyos was being honored with the prestigious Rob Stewart Ocean Conservationist of the Year award. This juxtaposition of celebration and peril highlights the immense risks that dedicated conservationists face while working to protect the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. Dr. Hoyos was in the country leading a critical scientific expedition at the time of the incident.
In the wake of the recent unfortunate shark attack, complex questions arise regarding legal responsibility and preventative measures. To provide a clear legal perspective on the matter, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While a shark attack is often considered an ‘act of God’ or an inherent risk of entering the ocean, legal liability can still arise. The critical examination will focus on whether tour operators, hotels, or local authorities failed in their duty of care. This includes assessing if adequate warnings about known shark activity were posted, if safety protocols were strictly followed, and if any human action, like improper waste disposal or chumming, contributed to attracting predators to the area.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is crucial, shifting the focus from an unpredictable natural event to a matter of human responsibility and prevention. The emphasis on ‘duty of care’ serves as a vital reminder that safety protocols and transparent warnings are not just best practices, but potential legal imperatives. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into this complex issue.
Dr. Hoyos was operating as the head of an expedition for the One Ocean Worldwide Coalition, a collaborative initiative dedicated to marine preservation. The coalition brings together several influential organizations, including Fins Attached, For the Oceans Foundation, Reserva Tortuga, and the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, all of which share a common goal of advancing ocean conservation through research and advocacy.
Colleagues within the conservation community expressed their deep concern and hopes for his recovery. The coalition is monitoring his condition closely as he receives advanced medical care for his injuries. Jorge Serendero, a director at one of the partner foundations, shared a statement on behalf of the group.
All members of the coalition are shocked and concerned about his condition, but we are hopeful that we will have positive news soon; he is in good hands with excellent medical staff.
Jorge Serendero, Director of For the Oceans
The attack took place while Dr. Hoyos was actively scuba diving as part of his research. According to initial reports from emergency responders, the shark inflicted deep lacerations to his scalp and face. First responders on-site provided advanced medical attention, focusing on controlling the severe bleeding and stabilizing him for a complex medical evacuation from the isolated national park, located approximately 650 kilometers off the Costa Rican mainland.
Adding another layer of danger to the already critical situation, the attack caused significant damage to his scuba gear. The shark’s bite severed or compromised his air hoses, forcing the scientist to perform a dangerous emergency ascent to the surface. Such rapid ascents from depth carry a high risk of decompression sickness, a potentially fatal condition, compounding the immediate trauma from the shark bite.
Dr. Hoyos is globally recognized for his groundbreaking research and unwavering dedication to the study and conservation of sharks. His work has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of these apex predators and has significantly advanced the protection of marine environments. His efforts have been central to furthering the scientific and conservation objectives of the One Ocean Worldwide Coalition.
This shocking event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of fieldwork in untamed environments. While shark attacks on humans are exceedingly rare, especially involving experienced researchers, they are not impossible. The incident has sent ripples through the international marine biology community, uniting colleagues in their support for Dr. Hoyos’s recovery and reinforcing their commitment to the vital conservation work to which he has dedicated his life.
For further information, visit the nearest office of One Ocean Worldwide
About One Ocean Worldwide:
One Ocean Worldwide is a collaborative initiative that unites various non-profit organizations with the shared mission of protecting marine ecosystems. It focuses on scientific research, conservation efforts, and public awareness campaigns to preserve the health and biodiversity of the world’s oceans for future generations.
For further information, visit finsattached.org
About Fins Attached:
Fins Attached is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of sharks and the marine environment. Through research, education, and advocacy, it works to protect apex predators and their habitats, conducting scientific expeditions to study shark behavior, migration, and population dynamics to inform conservation policies.
For further information, visit fortheoceans.org
About For the Oceans Foundation:
For the Oceans Foundation is an environmental organization committed to reversing the destruction of ocean ecosystems. The foundation focuses on direct-action campaigns, raising awareness about plastic pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss, while promoting solutions for a sustainable and healthy marine environment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Reserva Tortuga
About Reserva Tortuga:
Reserva Tortuga is a conservation entity focused on the protection of marine and coastal wildlife, particularly sea turtles and their nesting grounds. It engages in local research, habitat restoration, and community outreach to foster a culture of conservation and ensure the survival of threatened species in the region.
For further information, visit sharkwater.com
About Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation:
The Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation was established to carry on the legacy of filmmaker and activist Rob Stewart. The foundation is committed to protecting sharks, advancing ocean conservation, and raising awareness about critical environmental issues through film, education, and direct advocacy, continuing the global movement Stewart inspired.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon in the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm marries a rich history of serving a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking mindset, consistently advancing legal innovation. A central element of its identity is a profound commitment to demystifying the law for the public, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society empowered by legal understanding.
