This is the first image of the Spanish tourist left fighting for his life after a brutal shark attack during his honeymoon in the Maldives. Newly-wed Borja Garcia Sousa, a 31-year-old gynaecologist from Alicante, underwent a leg amputation following the traumatic incident in the Indian Ocean paradise, which occurred in front of his wife, Ana.
Severe Injuries and Emergency Response
Borja Garcia Sousa was part of a group that entered the water near a fishing processing plant off Kooddoo Island, home to a four-star boutique hotel resort. According to a family member of Ana, who has flown to the Maldives to support her, the attack last Saturday was devastating. "With one bite, it took all the flesh from the knee down off her husband's leg," they recounted.
Medics confirmed that Borja's limb was amputated due to "irreparable damage" caused by the rupture of main blood vessels and prolonged lack of blood flow. The semi-professional futsal player is currently in intensive care at ADK Hospital in Male, the densely-populated capital of the Maldives.
Colleagues Express Shock and Support
Today, colleagues at Dr Balmis University General Hospital, where Borja qualified as a full-fledged gynaecologist last year and continued to work, praised him as a "consummate professional." One colleague shared, "Staff at the hospital and especially those who knew him are in a state of shock. Borja was always very professional, very diligent, and very polite."
They added, "When we found out it was Borja we couldn't believe it. For something like this to happen on your honeymoon when you're supposed to be enjoying the happiest moments of your life is so awful and unusual. It's obviously going to change his life." Reports indicate his condition is improving slightly, with hopes for his return to Spain for further medical and psychological support.
Former Teammate Reflects on Impact
A former colleague at Mutxamel Benifutsal Sports Club, where Borja played semi-professional five-a-side indoor soccer, expressed devastation. "I heard the news from a mutual friend and it was like I'd been hit by a bolt of lightning. I still feel devastated. Ana and Borja had been dating for years before they got married," they said.
They noted Borja's dedication to futsal, with training sessions up to four times a week and sometimes two games weekly. "This is obviously going to have a life-changing impact for Borja. I just hope he pulls through," they concluded.
Police Investigation into Negligence
Police in the Maldives have launched an investigation after Borja's wife lodged a formal complaint accusing the organisers of the marine excursion of negligence. Local reports suggest the Kooddoo facility had not dumped fish waste for about a week, potentially heightening shark hunger. A source explained, "The sharks were likely in a heightened state of hunger and anticipation. When the group jumped in, the entry itself may have triggered a predatory response."
Attack Details and Shark Species
The Spanish holidaymaker was initially taken to Ga. Atoll Hospital before being airlifted to Male and admitted to intensive care. The attack area is known for large schools of Spinner sharks, though Bull shark involvement has not been ruled out. This incident underscores the rare but severe risks associated with marine activities in shark-populated waters.
