Mexican Tourist Joel P. Attacked by Crocodile in Sisal Watering Hole

A tourist from Mexico state was attacked by a crocodile while swimming in a watering hole near the Pueblo Magico of Sisal on the Yucatan coast.

The incident occurred when a 51-year-old man named Joel P. decided to take a swim at the Sisal swamp to cool off during his day of eco-tourism. While he was swimming, a crocodile measuring over 2 meters in length bit down on his right leg and attempted to drag him deeper into the lagoon.

Fortunately, Joel’s friends quickly intervened and fought off the crocodile using makeshift weapons such as a length of rope. Emergency services arrived and transported Joel to a hospital in Merida, the state capital. Thankfully, his condition is stable, and his injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Photos captured at the scene of the attack show paramedics providing medical treatment to Joel. Surprisingly, there were no crocodile warnings posted in the area where Joel was swimming, according to reports from the La Jornada Maya newspaper.

Although rare, crocodile attacks do occur in Mexico. In 2021, a British tourist was attacked by a crocodile at a tourist spot in Puerto Escondido, which garnered global attention.

Paulino Ponce Campos, a biologist and member of the National Group of Crocodile Experts in Mexico, revealed that there have been approximately 400 recorded attacks on humans in the past 64 years, with only 18% proving fatal.

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers lurking in natural habitats, even in popular tourist destinations. Authorities may need to reassess safety measures and ensure adequate signage is in place to warn visitors about potential risks, particularly in areas known to be inhabited by crocodiles.