Home / Disasters and Accidents / Missing Diver's Torn Gear Sparks Shark Attack Fears in Chile
Missing Diver's Torn Gear Sparks Shark Attack Fears in Chile
1 Oct
Summary
- A 46-year-old diver is missing after a routine dive off Chile's coast.
- His diving gear, including fins, was found with suspicious bite marks.
- Experts are investigating if a shark attack is the cause of his disappearance.
A diver has gone missing off the coast of Coquimbo, Chile, amid concerns of a possible shark attack. Carlos Aquea Álvarez, 46, a seasoned commercial diver with nearly 30 years of experience, failed to return from a routine dive. His wife reported him missing to police several hours after he failed to make contact.
A comprehensive search operation involving land, sea, and air teams was initiated the following day off Caleta Chañaral. While Mr. Álvarez remains unfound, search teams have recovered some of his equipment. Notably, his fins exhibit peculiar bite patterns that authorities and experts are investigating as potential evidence of a shark encounter.
Experts have offered differing opinions on the nature of the marks. Dr. Cristián Araya-Jaime suggests the marks on the fins could indicate an incident involving sharks. However, Dr. Neiti Morales expressed caution, noting that shark bite patterns typically differ. The Maritime Authority has stated that all possibilities are being considered in the ongoing investigation.
