A 38-year-old Honduran man was seriously injured after a suspected shark attack while swimming near the pier off the beaches of Tela, located in the Caribbean region of Honduras.
The man, who fought off the shark during the attack, suffered deep wounds to his back and right thigh, according to medical and fire department officials.
The incident occurred on Monday when the swimmer was enjoying the waters at the Tela pier.
Nearby beachgoers quickly came to his aid, helping him reach the shore before he was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
While the exact nature of the attack is still under investigation, it is presumed that the injuries were caused by a shark bite.
Hospital sources reported that the man’s condition is stable following medical intervention. He sustained soft tissue damage and significant muscle loss in his thigh, which will require plastic surgery and possibly a skin graft.
The procedure is expected to take place in San Pedro Sula, the second-largest city in Honduras, where specialized care is available.
Local authorities, concerned about public safety, have temporarily closed the beaches in Tela as a precautionary measure.
Shark attacks are extremely rare in the Honduran Caribbean, but this incident follows another attack in September when a 33-year-old man was bitten on his left leg while diving near the beaches of Trujillo, in the Colón department.
Despite the rare occurrence of shark attacks in the region, the recent events have heightened caution among locals and tourists. The closure of the beach in Tela is a temporary measure as authorities assess the situation to prevent further incidents.
The injured swimmer is currently recovering in a local hospital and will soon be transferred for additional treatment.
Though shark attacks in this area are uncommon, local officials are working to ensure the safety of beachgoers before reopening the popular coastal spot.
