Spanish doctor who lost his leg in a shark attack while diving near Kooddoo shares his harrowing experience for the first time while receiving treatment at ADK Hospital
A Spanish doctor, who is recovering at ADK Hospital after losing a leg in a shark attack while diving near GA. Kooddoo, has shared his harrowing experience for the first time. Although he survived the life-threatening injuries following emergency surgery and is currently in stable condition, his family has filed a formal complaint alleging negligence on the part of the dive organizers, a matter which is now under police investigation.
A photo of Borja and Ana Sousa taken at the hospital. | Divenet
Spanish diver Borja García Sousa has shared the harrowing details of a shark attack that resulted in the loss of his leg while vacationing in the Maldives with his bride, Ana, earlier this month.
Sousa, a 31-year-old gynecologist, is currently receiving treatment at ADK Hospital in Male' following a severe accident that resulted in life-threatening blood loss. Although surgeons were forced to amputate his leg, his condition is now improving. However, medical professionals have not yet cleared him for air travel to return to his hometown of Alicante.
The incident occurred in an area known as "Shark Alley," located near the fish processing factory in Gaafu Alif Kooddoo. This location is a well-known gathering spot for large numbers of sharks that feed on discarded fish waste. On the day of the incident, April 11, it is believed the sharks were in an aggressive feeding frenzy as no waste had been disposed of in the area for several days prior. According to some reports, the individual, Sousa, was attacked by a bull shark shortly after divers jumped into the water from their vessel.
Following the incident, Sousa received initial treatment at a local health center in the atoll before being transferred to ADK Hospital in Male' for further medical care. The couple was vacationing at The Residence Maldives (Falhumaafushi-Dhigurah), a resort located approximately 7 kilometers from Kooddoo.
In a post shared on April 28 to mark their one-month wedding anniversary, Sousa wrote, "Who would have thought we would face such a profound test in life so soon? On April 11, we encountered the most cruel and terrifying moment of our lives." He further reflected that while certain moments can completely alter the course of a person's life and reveal its fragility, he has also learned how to find strength even in the darkest of times. He concluded by expressing his certainty that, through this ordeal, he could not have asked for a better partner by his side than his wife.
Sousa expressed his gratitude to everyone who assisted in saving his life. He added that he hopes to return to Spain as soon as possible to begin the process of rebuilding his life.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, although his wife, Anna, was not in the water when the incident occurred, she witnessed the horrific scene and has filed an official complaint alleging negligence on the part of the dive organizers. Police are currently conducting a further investigation into the matter.
