A Spanish newlywed lost his leg after a gruesome shark attack during a honeymoon swim in the Maldives — as his new bride watched in horror.
Borja Garcia Sousa, a 31-year-old gynecologist and semi-professional soccer player from Alicante, had been vacationing with his wife, Ana, in the island nation southwest of India, on April 11 when the bloody episode unfolded, according to the Daily Mail.
“With one bite, it took all the flesh from the knee down,” a family member who flew in to help the couple told the outlet.
After being pulled from the water, he was airlifted to ADK hospital in the capital of Malé, where doctors were forced to amputate Sousa’s leg due to irreparable damage caused by severe vascular injuries.
Back in Spain, his colleagues at the Dr. Balmis University General Hospital said they were stunned by the news.
“Staff at the hospital and especially those who knew him are in a state of shock,” one said. “Borja was always very professional, diligent and polite. For something like this to happen on your honeymoon … it’s just awful. It’s going to change his life.”
The tragedy began innocently enough when the newlyweds joined a group excursion to a popular swimming spot on the island of Kooddoo.
The area is known for its Spinner sharks, but experts believe a tiger shark was responsible because of its powerful bite. Other experts suggest a bull shark may also have been the culprit.
Local reports suggest the sharksmay have been unusually aggressive because a nearby fish processing plant, which typically dumps waste into the water, had reportedly not done so for more than a week — increasing the sharks’ need for food.
“The sharks were likely in a heightened state of hunger,” a source told the local media. “When the group jumped in, the entry itself may have triggered a predatory response.”
Sousa’s family have lodged a formal complaint of negligence against the tour company, alleging reckless conduct.
“It was a terrible attack,” said a spokesperson from Residence Maldives, the luxury spa where the couple were staying. “It has been a traumatic experience for everyone at the complex.”
The tragedy is especially devastating because Sousa is a semi-professional soccer player back in Spain.
“We’re talking semi-professional at this level, with training sessions up to four times a week and sometimes two games every week,” said a former teammate from Mutxamel Benifutsal Sports Club, where Borja played, according to the Daily Mail.
“This is obviously going to have a life-changing impact for Borja. I just hope he pulls through.”
Local police have launched an investigation of the incident.
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