Horror as man mauled to death by crocodile that dragged him out to sea

A popular beach became the scene of a horrific incident on Friday (June 26) when a man was killed in a crocodile attack. A 28-year-old man was outside the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at around 6pm when he was allegedly attacked by the reptile. Jalisco State Police said in a statement on Sunday how evidence points towards the beachgoer being dragged out to sea by a beastly creature.

Emergency services were scrambled and an overnight search and rescue operation at sea and on land was launched. However, the victim’s body was recovered Saturday morning, about just over 980 feet (300m) offshore. Following the incident, local authorities are reminding the public to heed warning signs and avoid entering the water where wildlife is known to be present, particularly in estuary and mangrove areas.

“The safety and security of our guests and associates are our top priority,” the resort said in a statement to ABC News. “At the Marriott Puerto Vallarta we have appropriate signage, as well as night patrolling and red flags to indicate caution in the area and all were and are properly in place.”

The resort said it reviews its “plans and procedures often” and works “closely with the appropriate authorities on an ongoing basis and our staff is trained in how to respond to safety matters appropriately”.

“We extend our thoughts to the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time and are providing appropriate support in line with our policies,” the resort said.

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is native to Puerto Vallarta’s coastal ecosystem, frequently moving between estuaries, canals and beaches, including the Ameca River, El Salado Estuary and the Marina Vallarta canals. During the summer rainy season, which strikes in June, rising water levels connect inland bodies of water to the ocean, making it easier for crocodiles to reach tourist beaches.

The Jalisco State Civil Protection and local researchers advise against swimming at dawn, dusk, or after dark, as this is when the reptiles are most active.

It comes after the Johnsons of Old Hurst, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, confirmed its Tropical House had reopened to visitors on Saturday (June 27), nine days after closing the attraction “out of respect to the family” after a three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into the enclosure. A 30-year-old man from Norfolk has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.