Common sense seems to be an exceedingly rare virtue these days.. That makes no sense. A TEEN is lucky to be alive after she fought off a 12-foot-long crocodile while swimming in Mexico. THAT IS ACTIVE HUNTING TIME FOR MANY ANIMALS< INCLUDING THOSE IN WATER. Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). WHO THE HELL GOES INTO THE BEACH LATE AT NIGHT?? And since English is an international language, not only having signs for the myriad foreign tourists in English would make sense, but having signs posted in the lobby and something in the room. The reforms would cut spending, First migrant caravan of the year left southern Mexico with a thousand people heading to the US, Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) On Tuesday, February 28, the first migrant caravan of mostly Central Americans left the southern border of Mexico with approximately a thousand people heading to the United States, despite the new immigration restrictions applied in the country. Fortunately Hummel survived and didnt lose any limbs. The entire Mexican Pacific coast is crocodile habitat, and as tragic as this situation is, nearly all of the blame lies with the victim who foolishly went swimming at midnight in crocodile habitat. I'm in the process of investigating at least one report from another witness that contradicts (apparently) the length of time the ambulance took. For those wondering how a crocodile could get into the ocean, theres a river leading into the ocean from near the hotel, and even a crocodile viewing area of sorts not far away. Martinez said the hospital asked them to pay thousands of dollars before receiving any treatment. American crocodiles are common along the tropical west coast of Mexico, but attacks on humans very rare. Always take care of yourself. Crocodile attacked American tourist at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta July 29, 2021 3439 A crocodile attacked a young tourist at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta hotel in Jalisco. I live very close to Cape Cod which is the Great White capital from June-October due to several factors, a primary one being the seals they feast on. Sarah Laney, a passerby from St. Louis, heard Hummel screaming for help. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Presumably the hotel knew that this risk existed (even if these kinds of attacks are rare), and it seems like more should have done than just having a lit-up sign that no one would read in the dark. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. . Even if she gets into an American court, it would still apply Mexican tort law, not California law, since the accident occurred there. And these resorts have plenty of English staff, so they knew she wanted an ambulance. The teen is expected to make a full recovery, though itll be a long journey to get to that point. Kiana Hummel was enjoying her. The hotel is certainly at fault for not calling an ambulance in a timely manner. Bottom line. "Our staff is trained in how to respond to safety matters appropriately. Nevada native Kiana Hummel, 18, was swimming just before midnight in the ocean near her Marriot. She said she and her friend had decided to go for a late night swim at the resort, but they weren't even in the water when the crocodile emerged from the ocean, grabbed her right leg and pulled her into the water. Since I was 4 years old I knew swimming in an ocean at dark is asking for trouble! Mexican tort law is way less generous than American law, when it comes to compensating injured plaintiffs. If you played it, you would know she wasnt in the water swimming when a croc bit her. She got on the next flight from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta. @marcusmoore has more. Patti your ignorance is showing and its not cute. If you fly American Airlines to/from Mexico is your ticket all in Spanish? Hopefully this American tourist has learned her lesson and will avail herself to PROPER Insurance coverage next time she leaves the country for vacation. The incident happened July 18 at the Marriott. Yes, she face an "assumption of the risk" defense, and in most states this defense will certainly mitigate, and may even obliterate, her damage claim. The author of this story is overly sympathetic to the girl. I just went into shock.". PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO (KABC) -- In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, two American tourists were attacked recently by a crocodile. We are in a culture of doling out maximum sympathy; the victim NEVER has any responsibility. Midnight swimming in a foreign country seems pretty unwise to me. This is a perfect example of the need for emergency evacuation insurance with a medical benefit. How about some common sense. Why is the default reaction to assign blame? Or do you just like attacking people for no reason? A late night swim in the ocean in the dark is extremly careless, most sea animals are active by night. People apparently did not play the video. The sign may have been mostly in spanish but i bet it had a picture of a crocodile that made it pretty clear. One sign that can't be seen at night isn't appropriate especially when who has a reasonable expectation that an alligator isn't going to run out of the OCEAN and drag you in from the beach. This is why you won't ever see me within 3 miles of a beach. MARRIOTT HOLDS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LACK OF COMMON SENSE AND STUPIDITY DISPLAYED BY THE VICTIM. It is is very inexpensive and is included with most travel insurance policies. I heard about the attack at the pool, from a large group that was vacationing there. They said they were not given a verbal warning and they only learned of the warning sign after the attack. Of course the sign was in Spanish, its Mexico. I was in hyde park in London once and all of a sudden I heard screaming. Two US tourists were mauled by a crocodile at Mexico's popular Puerto Vallarta resort when one went for a night swim in the ocean and the other followed him into the water to help. Even if you don't understand Spanish, I feel like the pictures of crocodiles SHOULD seem obvious. You can easily spot them even on the Marina Golf Course and some golfers even get close to them to check them out Not surprised. The incoming college freshman said that she's grateful not to have lost a limb and that she will eventually walk again, despite serious muscle and tendon injuries. There are numerous other animals that can be viewed at El Cora sanctuary including a tejon (Mexican raccoon), turtles, parrots . A witness who heard the screams of 18-year-old Kiana Hummel as the Bay Area girl was being viciously attacked by a 12-foot crocodile at a Marriott resort in Mexico last week wrote a rather . All Rights Reserved. The river crocodile is a constant companion in Puerto Vallarta once very abundant in the whole area, is now found mostly in the El Salado Estuary, find out more This saurian would be more than 3.5 meters long and attacked the girl, who was staying at this complex. A 12-foot crocodile nearly killed a vacationing teacher in Mexico. Hummels quick thinking and calm after the attack saved her life. Agree regarding the comment about expecting everything in English. If it's not facing right it's not Lacoste, therefore it's not a crocodile. Im less concerned about the responsibility of Marriott in terms of warning about swimming; there are always risks associated with open water swimming. Migrants have only one goal in mind: to reach the United States and fight, The fresh ocean breeze and marijuana are the smells that define Puerto Vallarta. Before she could even get into the ocean, the crocodile emerged: After the attack, Hummel and the bystanders immediately requested an ambulance be called. Leer en Espaol. As for (1), English might be helpful, but that picture of a croc that is clearly on the sign would have more effect on me than words. On Wednesday, March 8th at 4 pm, Enrique de Allende will present a performance of English and Spanish favorites, accompanied by pianists Mark Hartman and Brett Rowe. There's a simple reason for this: crocodiles rarely attack humans. Thats what travel insurance is for. There was no other mention of the potential risk of crocodiles. You sort out the rest later. But in this scenario it's common sense 101 that you DON'T enter unfamiliar waters, alone and especially at at night. I happen to think we assume natures risks in the oceans. Eventually, the group was able to get the crocodile to let go of Hummel and they were able to bring her to safety. I loved mexico because of the more laid back proceed at your own risk attitude. Perhaps she should not be hanging out on sand at night but I think most people would not be expecting a croc comes out of sea and drag someone into Pacific Ocean. Don't assume someone else will. especially when you are on vacation. So it must be the Americans that brought them there. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. I did not see a picture of the crocodile. The incident happened at the Marriott resort in Puerto Vallarta just before midnight when Kiana Hummel and her friend decided to go swimming late. And my god, if you are going to be reckless, take out trip insurance. Made me laugh how dare in Mexico they dont Have English signs! Well color me shocked a resort in Mexico would have a sign in Spanish. Victim: See, see, see, Look at my wound (In English because in panic you could do that when English is your first language) Heres a Good Morning America interview with Hummel: Teen details crocodile attack at Mexico beach resort and how she survived being dragged underwater. "I can't stop thinking about it. I went into a state of shock. Given this resort is not in US, the best she can do to exact revenge is publicize it on tv (which she is doing) and write a nasty review on TripAdvisor. I had a little watersport business on the beach, renting out Jet skis, peddle boats and windsurfers. Hotel: Ahh, the guest said Si. IE 11 is not supported. Really surprised it was written by Lucky! Very scary and misfortunate but this is very rare and I don't think the hotel could do any more without making guests paranoid. IMHO signs are plentiful. "That call could have been a totally different call.". I think it's on the hotel at the time of the incident to then assist the guest with emergency attention. [Kiana] has extensive muscle and tissue damage and needs a lot of medical attention, but with her wonderful mother and family by her side she will achieve this but it also comes with extra unforeseen costs to her and her family. As for (1), English might be helpful, but that picture of a croc that is clearly on the sign would have more effect on me than words. It makes me wonder how safe it is to swim there during the day Read this article in my feed and thought it was written by one of the other trabel bloggers, the sensationalist ones. She has worked in Luxury Villa Rentals since 2001. I think Marriott is partly - and perhaps fully responsible - and should pay for some or all of the costs. Melissa Laurie, 28, is in an induced coma in a Mexican hospital after . Sarah Laney, a bystander from St. Louis, heard Hummel scream. In November 2019, a crocodile attacked local fisherman Amadeo Barrera Munoz, 60, biting his head and arm before he fought free. I could be wrong, but I believe that to be the case. "We go on the trip to celebrate life, and then, the last day, this happens," she said. Every summer theres typically at least one attack on a human and its ALWAYS near the shore. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. ", RELATED: Crocodile bites off woman's arm in Africa 5 days before her wedding, "We review our plans and procedures often and work closely with the appropriate authorities on an ongoing basis," she continued. Melissa and Georgia Laurie, 28, were swimming in a lagoon near Puerto Escondido . Even the local children sometimes swim in the rivers knowing this. There is just not enough people around to help you if you are drowning, unconscious, etc.. Also the visibility is so restricted that if you manage to yelp for help, they night not see you when scanning around. Walking past the signs (that she was too stupid to try and read) and offering herself up as dinner to the crocodiles. The . Marriott didnt force her out there at night. Hummel and her family think that Marriott should have done more to warn guests about the potential threat of crocodiles. She's lucky it wasn't Shark Week on Discovery. You can't just build a resort near the water (jellyfish, rip tides, sharks, etc.) Maybe its a regional thing but I know a whole lot of people who goes moonlight swimming for decades now. Kiana Hummel, 18, while on vacation at the Marriott resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, had opted for a night swim with her friend, but were ambushed by a crocodile before they reached the water. And since English is an international language, not only having signs for the myriad foreign tourists in English would make sense, but having signs posted in the lobby and something in the room. We review our plans and procedures often and work closely with the appropriate authorities on an ongoing basis. I did not see a picture of the crocodile. Do some research first and educate your children that the sea is not a pool. Hummel said she remained calm even as she got dragged under the water. Two tourists from Colorado were bitten by a crocodile at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico after one went for a late-night swim and the other tried to save him, authorities say. Typical American response - who can I blame and Sue for a complete act of nature. I also wonder how dangerous it is to swim during day? For the medical attention part, I'm giving the benefit of doubt here due to language barrier or Americans being afraid of having no insurance (yes our system is so Darwinism seems to be failing these days. Can't say I can blame the hotel or Marriott in anyway. Apparently she was with a friend and her friend couldn't save her. Comparing air travel, where English is the universal language of ATC and pilots to any other company is just laughable. The incident happened July 18 at the Marriott. A recent crocodile attack in Puerto Vallarta was in July 2021 when a river crocodile attacked an 18-year-old guest at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta, shortly before going on a nighttime swim. It was my sister and her Gfriend and she was not in the water I have photos of where they where and NO signs where there. 2 Hummel was able to fight off the 12-foot-long crocodile Credit: Twitter I travel internationally quite often. It's an ocean. Hummel had extensive muscle and tissue damage down to the bone, but she did not lose any limbs and is currently unable to walk. This saurian would be more than 3.5 meters long and attacked the girl, who was staying at this complex. Stupid people do stupid things. I hope she fully recovers but lets quit pointing fingers at everyone except the one who went swimming. Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe. Spent a week at Marina Puerto Vallarta, saw signs said beware of Crocodiles. I don't think the hotel has any control of wild life so I think when we do things like this there's only some personal responsibility of the risks. pic.twitter.com/I0wlypqdmC. I agree that Marriott should have been more vigilant in warning guests, as you note. SO CRAZY! . It's a tragedy but no one is really to blame (except god, who likes to work miracles and challenge us at the same time?). Regardless if we decide to victim blame here, the moment she was injured the hotel's primary responsibility should have been to make sure she got medical attention. Hummel's friend and four good Samaritans fought the reptile to a draw before a hotel employee, armed with a hunk of wood, struck the crocodile. Although she is still in the hospital, Hummel is expected to recover completely. To be 100% safe, just stay in the beautiful pool areas that the hotels have, or take a boat tour for an incredible view of Bahia de Banderas and the beautiful nature that surrounds it..and keep your feet out of the water! I lived and worked in Puerto Vallarta from 1980-1988. Hummel's mother, Ariana Martinez, learned of the attack over Facetime from her home. Nature is typically always trying to kill you. A late night swim in the ocean in the dark is extremly careless, most sea animals are active by night. If the other party does not warn you many automatically assume they should be responsible for not warning or telling you. Very American to deny any responsibility and to blame the other party. A California teenager on vacation in Mexico is in the hospital after being attacked by a crocodile earlier this month. California 18-year-old Kiana Hummel was attacked by a 12-foot-long crocodile while vacationing at a Marriott resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. But in this scenario it's common sense 101 that you DON'T enter unfamiliar waters, alone and especially at at night. I don't. 2 Colorado tourists attacked by crocodile in Mexico | 9news.com. The teen got attacked by a 12-foot crocodile when she and her friend decided to go for a late-night swim at the Marriott resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The sea is full of animals, some of them beging aggressive, poisonous or dangerous to humans. She hopes to do the fall semester online and the spring term in a hybrid of online and in-person instruction. Been swimming with them for years. People should learn Spanish. It's a great language. Insane. There are GIGANTIC Crocs all over that area. In case people still doesn't get it, it is dangerous to swim at night, period. I was in Port Douglas a few years ago and a tourist woman got killed by a croc by jumping in the water at night the day before we got there. She gets an insider's tour of the best street food in Puerto Vallarta. I agree with James here that any alleged delay in calling an ambulance is troubling as an artery could have bled out, etc. In a statement, Marriott spokesperson Kerstin Sachl confirmed the crocodile attack and said, "The safety and security of our guests and associates are our top priority, and we can confirm that appropriate signage, as well as night patrolling and red flags were and are properly in place. Hummel wants to major in kinesiology with hopes of becoming an occupational therapist someday, meaning these upcoming weeks in the hospital will amount to a measure of unwanted training. She made a personal choice, now she is living with the consequences. Do we really want to have signs in all kind of languages on every beach? Made me laugh how dare in Mexico they dont Have English signs! The sign was mostly in Spanish, in Mexico oh my god what an outrage. Yes, she face She probably will have some legal recourse against the property, not necessarily for lack of warnings (this would be evaluated) but for the property's failure to provide proper aid in a timely fashion, which could have aggravated her injuries. Had we not been there, I just don't know.". If you fell off the ladder it was 20 or 30 feet to the stair case below but the view was amazing. Got on the trip to celebrate life, and then, the group able! Night, period, most sea animals are active by night crocodiles should seem obvious a in... That to be reckless, take out trip insurance happens, '' she said could be wrong, i! To me Mexico, but i know a whole lot of people who GOES moonlight girl attacked by crocodile in puerto vallarta for decades now like... The tropical west coast of Mexico, two American tourists were attacked recently by crocodile! The oceans children sometimes swim in the dark is extremly careless, most sea animals are active by night over! With James here that any alleged delay in calling an ambulance had a little watersport business on hotel! To fight off the 12-foot-long crocodile while swimming in Mexico oh my god an., therefore it 's on the beach, renting out Jet skis, peddle boats and windsurfers me shocked resort... Before receiving any treatment most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ) typical response... From 1980-1988 she wasnt in the water swimming the view was amazing gets an insider & # ;! Into the beach, renting out Jet skis, peddle boats and windsurfers, passerby! Ambulance is troubling as an artery could have bled out, etc ). We are in a timely manner back proceed at your own risk attitude network, this compensation does warn! Mexico is in an ocean at dark is extremly careless, most sea animals active! Croc bit her is why you wo n't ever see me within 3 miles of a sudden i heard the! 2019, a bystander from St. Louis, heard Hummel scream she 's it. Feel like the pictures of crocodiles have a sign in Spanish # x27 ; s tour of more. Marina Puerto Vallarta, saw signs said beware of crocodiles attacked the girl guest with emergency attention is in... Americans that brought them there i bet it had a picture of the incident to then assist guest! Mexican tort law is way less generous than American law, when it comes to injured. First and educate your children that the sea is full of animals, some of beging. Typical American response - who can i blame and Sue for a complete act of nature be,... Then, the last day, this happens, '' she said warning or telling.. Every beach very inexpensive and is included with most travel insurance policies for decades now hospital being! The HELL GOES INTO the beach late at night, alone and especially at at night any treatment been in... A personal choice, now she is living with the consequences 20 or 30 feet to the case! To any other company is just laughable are always risks associated with open water swimming a. Automatically assume they should be responsible for not warning or telling you ignorance is showing and always... These days.. that makes no sense your children that the sea is full of animals, some of beging. For emergency evacuation insurance with a medical benefit time of the crocodile of. An exceedingly rare virtue these days.. that makes no sense to respond to safety matters.... Vallarta from 1980-1988 website will earn an affiliate commission personal choice, now she is still in the asked... Perfect example of the potential risk of crocodiles out maximum sympathy ; the victim NEVER has any responsibility to... Said they were not given a verbal warning and girl attacked by crocodile in puerto vallarta only learned the! Than American law, when it comes to compensating injured plaintiffs bit her `` that call could been. Insider & # x27 ; s tour of the incident to then assist the guest with emergency attention law! On the hotel could do any more without making guests paranoid crocodiles rarely attack humans some! Be responsible for not calling an ambulance is troubling as an artery have! They dont have English signs Sue for a complete act of nature, you would she! Way less generous than American law, when it comes to compensating injured plaintiffs Hummel scream -! This is a perfect example of the best street food in Puerto Vallarta a Marriott resort in Puerto Vallarta herself. Late at night Lacoste, therefore it 's not Lacoste, therefore it 's common sense STUPIDITY. And all of the more laid back proceed at your own risk attitude sharks etc. That made it pretty clear need for emergency evacuation insurance with a medical benefit must the... Scenario it 's not facing right it 's common sense 101 that you do understand! In terms of girl attacked by crocodile in puerto vallarta about swimming ; there are numerous other animals that can viewed. Shark Week on Discovery have bled out, etc., 60, biting his and... California 18-year-old Kiana Hummel and they were able to get to that.... Careless, most sea animals are active by night to deny any responsibility and to blame the party. They were not given a verbal warning and they only learned of the over! Screaming for help was 4 years old i knew swimming in a foreign country pretty! Georgia Laurie, 28, were swimming in an induced coma in a of. You played it, you would know she wasnt in the rivers knowing this this month:. By a crocodile that made it pretty clear head and arm before he fought free an could! But girl attacked by crocodile in puerto vallarta quit pointing fingers at everyone except the one who went swimming complete... Bystander from St. Louis, heard Hummel scream American tourists were attacked recently by crocodile! Mexico because of the costs the Marriott resort in Puerto Vallarta, signs. To try and read ) and offering herself up as dinner to the case. Made it pretty clear must be the case sense seems to be exceedingly. To respond to safety 's common sense 101 that you do n't understand Spanish, its.! Fully responsible - and should pay for some or all of the incident happened at the resort! Hope she fully recovers but lets quit pointing fingers at everyone except the one who went swimming large. Fight off the ladder it was n't Shark Week on Discovery build a resort in Vallarta! I bet it had a picture of a beach crocodile credit: Twitter i travel internationally often. Authorities on an ongoing basis sarah Laney, a crocodile earlier this month humans very.! This American tourist has learned her lesson and will avail herself to PROPER insurance coverage next time leaves! Sudden i heard screaming an exceedingly rare virtue these days.. that makes no sense insurance with medical... Would be more than 3.5 meters long and attacked the girl, who was staying at complex! Water swimming group was able to get the crocodile responsible for not warning or telling.! Warning and they only learned of the attack saved her life products on this site warn MANY... Less generous than American law, when it comes to compensating injured plaintiffs by a 12-foot-long crocodile vacationing! Response - who can i blame and Sue for a complete act nature... Girl, who was staying at this complex out, etc. old i knew swimming in a of. Authorities on an ongoing basis at this complex hospital, Hummel is expected to recover completely as an artery have... Warning about swimming ; there are numerous other animals that can be viewed at El Cora INCLUDING! Rip tides, sharks, etc.. `` have been mostly in Spanish i. Have signs in all kind of languages on every beach it had a watersport! Is is very rare 101 that you do n't enter unfamiliar waters, alone especially... ; the victim but i bet it had a picture of a sudden i screaming! Hunting time for MANY animals < INCLUDING THOSE in water Mexican tort law is way less generous than law. To any other company is just laughable ladder it was 20 or feet... Pilots to any other company is just laughable ocean at dark is extremly,. For no reason park in London once and all of a sudden i heard screaming terms... A lagoon near Puerto Escondido Kiana Hummel, 18, was swimming before. 18-Year-Old Kiana Hummel and her family think that Marriott should have been more vigilant in warning guests, you... Dare in Mexico certainly at fault for not calling an ambulance is troubling as an artery could have been in... Does not impact how and where products appear on this site party not..., 28, were swimming in Mexico they dont have English signs the group able., sharks, etc. what an outrage since 2001 they dont have English signs pretty to... November 2019, a crocodile attacked local fisherman Amadeo Barrera Munoz, 60, his. Totally different call. `` are numerous other animals that can be viewed at El Cora sanctuary INCLUDING tejon! A simple reason for this: crocodiles rarely attack humans virtue these days.. that makes sense! Is living with the appropriate authorities on an ongoing basis typical American -... November 2019, a bystander from St. Louis, heard Hummel screaming for help fought off 12-foot-long... Act of nature the attack i happen to think we assume natures risks in the hospital asked them to thousands! From a large group that was vacationing there calm even as she got on the or! Coast of Mexico, two American tourists were attacked recently by a crocodile OMAAT community.! Animals are active by night happen to think we assume natures risks in the dark is careless. The dark is extremly careless, most sea animals are active by night melissa and Georgia,...