A Spanish man has spoken out for the first time following a harrowing ordeal in the Maldives, where he lost his leg to a shark attack while on his honeymoon. Borja Garcia Sousa, 31, was enjoying a celebratory trip with his wife, Ana, when the tragedy struck on April 11.
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The attack occurred during a group excursion in the waters surrounding the island of Kooddoo. According to Ana’s family, the shark inflicted severe injuries in just one bite, taking away much of Borja’s leg from the knee down. In the aftermath, Garcia Sousa was swiftly airlifted to a hospital in the capital, Malé, but medical staff were compelled to amputate his leg due to the extent of the injuries.
Reflecting on the incident, Garcia Sousa described it as the “most cruel and brutal episode” of their shared lives thus far. In a joint Instagram post made two weeks after the attack, he attempted to inject humour into the situation, joking about how their marriage had not started as they had expected. “What can I say… we’re off to a great start, aren’t we?” he wrote, capturing the bittersweet nature of their experience.
In the heartfelt post, he expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from family and friends throughout his recovery. “There are moments that change you forever. Moments when you understand how fragile life is,” he wrote, while also recognising the strength gained in times of turbulence. He added, “Not for a single moment did we stop believing that it would only be a bump in the road.”
Garcia Sousa, who works as a gynaecologist and is also a semi-professional football player, paid special tribute to Ana for her unwavering support during this challenging time. He expressed certainty that there was no better person to have by his side. Their experience has only deepened their appreciation for each other and the importance of their loved ones.
The couple is still in the Maldives as they await medical clearance to return to Spain. Reports indicate that they are anxious to reunite with family upon their return. “After all, you realise there’s nothing more precious than coming home and feeling the love of those who never let go,” he concluded in his statement.
The area surrounding the Maldives is known for several species of sharks, including spinner and tiger sharks. While local reports pointed to the tiger shark being involved in the attack, authorities are currently investigating the incident further.
Ana has reportedly filed a formal complaint against the organisers of the group trip, citing negligence as a potential factor that led to the shark attack. The matter has drawn the attention of local police, although further details remain sparse as investigators look into the circumstances surrounding the event.
As the couple navigates this difficult experience, they serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the strength found in love and support during trying times.