On October 7, 24-year-old Alexander Wayne was hanging out at La Lancha beach with his friends when he was attacked by a crocodile as they were preparing to leave.
Emergency services responded to the incident and followed special protocols in place for human-crocodile interactions. Security and Protection of Nayarit, Citizen Protection, and Firefighters of the town also arrived at the scene.
Wayne was taken to the Punta Mita hospital for treatment. The man received emergency treatment for “avulsive-type” injuries to his lower area. But he is currently in stable condition.
After the attack, the National Guard and the State Tourism Police evacuated the beach to prevent further attacks. And officers immediately began putting up warning signs around the beach. They will also carry out several other preventive actions in the near future.
Increase in crocodile attacks on Vallarta-Nayarit beaches
Crocodile attacks have become more common in recent years in the country, including along the beaches of Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit, so officials are working hard to help tourists understand the dangers they face.
Earlier this summer, two other American tourists were injured while staying at a resort in Puerto Vallarta. The men, who were visiting from Colorado, went swimming in the ocean. Just after entering the water, a crocodile attacked the man, leaving him with bite marks on his abdomen, right arm, both legs, and chest.
The second man was injured after trying to save his friend. As he ran into the water to get the other to safety, the crocodile bit his hand.
Both men needed medical attention, and the resort, Grand Velas Vallarta, allowed their families to stay at no cost while they recovered. But several people questioned why the men were swimming at night in the area when it is known to be home to crocodiles.
Mexican beaches have seen other crocodile attacks in the past year. In October 2021, a 12-year-old boy from Philadelphia nearly lost his foot to a reptile while visiting Cancun.
Due to the increase in attacks, the authorities ask tourists to pay attention to signs that warn of crocodiles in areas of the Mexican coast and follow all protocols to avoid fatal or life-threatening injuries.
