A 28-year-old man was killed by an American crocodile on Friday evening at Marina Vallarta Beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, according to Jalisco state police. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time at the beach adjacent to the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. The victim, a Mexican national who was in town for work, was attacked while in the water. His body was recovered early Saturday morning, police told NBCLA.
Witnesses Describe Harrowing Rescue Attempt
Engaged couple Jamie Yetter and Chris Bury, along with Yetter's teenage daughter, were staying at the resort when they heard screams. Yetter told NBCLA, “We thought we saw a guy stuck in a rip current, so Chris took off down to the water, and I ran right after him.” Bury tried to throw the man a life preserver, but the victim was in shock and did not respond. Bury then got into a kayak and paddled toward him, but it was too late. “He went down, and then, at that point, he stayed down. So I was over top of him, but the water was so murky, and you couldn’t even see a foot down. So by the time I got to him, it was unfortunately too late,” Bury told ABC News.
Crocodile's Size Shocks Witnesses
Yetter described the crocodile's immense size: “The size of this crocodile, I mean, his head was as long as my torso, his tail thicker than my legs. He was just turning him, taking him under.” Video published by local news service NoticiasPV showed the reptile with its jaws open and teeth visible shortly after the attack.
Beach Remained Open Despite Attack
The couple expressed shock that the beach was open the next morning. “They didn’t tell anyone it was dangerous. They didn’t tell us we shouldn’t go swimming. Even the next morning, I went down to the ocean. I assumed the beach would be closed. The beach wasn’t closed. There wasn’t no swimming signs,” Yetter told CBS.
Resort Defends Safety Measures
In a statement to ABC News, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa said, “The safety and security of our guests and associates are our top priority. 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 added that 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.” It extended thoughts to the victim and his loved ones.
