A terrifying scene has gone viral after a tourist was caught on video being ripped apart by a massive crocodile in front of stunned onlookers — moments after he reportedly jumped into a restricted lagoon known for its dangerous reptiles. Authorities have described the attack as “swift, brutal, and inescapable,” while the footage has been condemned online as one of the most disturbing clips ever shared publicly.
The incident occurred near the Canas River in Costa Rica, a popular ecotourism area where “Do Not Swim” signs are posted along several sections of the riverbank. According to reports from Daily Mail and Reuters, the victim — a 29-year-old man from Mexico identified only as Esteban — had been visiting the area with friends when he made what witnesses described as a “drunken dare” to jump into the murky water despite multiple warnings from locals.
“We begged him not to do it,” said one eyewitness in an interview with BBC News. “The guides were shouting, ‘No! Crocodiles!’ But he laughed and said he just wanted to cool off. Within seconds, the water exploded.”
“Witnesses screamed as a man was dragged under by a crocodile in Costa Rica — officials call it a ‘nightmare scene.’” @guardian
The shocking video, filmed by another tourist from a nearby dock, shows the man leaping into the lagoon and splashing briefly before a large crocodile surfaces and clamps its jaws around his torso. Screams erupt as the reptile thrashes violently, pulling him underwater. Authorities say the attack lasted less than 20 seconds. His body was later recovered downstream, severely dismembered.
Local police chief Hector Jiménez told CNN the victim was “instantly overpowered.” “These are not small crocodiles,” he said. “They can reach up to 15 feet long and weigh nearly a ton. There is no surviving an encounter like that once it starts.”
Park officials have since reiterated that the area is clearly marked as unsafe for swimming due to frequent crocodile sightings. “This was a reckless act,” said Maria Alvarado, a spokesperson for the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment. “The warnings are everywhere. These animals are territorial and attack with deadly precision.”
Residents say the crocodile responsible for the attack is well-known in the area and had been previously spotted dragging livestock into the water. “Everyone knows that croc,” said a local fisherman. “We call him ‘El Diablo.’ No one goes near that part of the river. That poor man didn’t stand a chance.”
“Locals call the killer croc ‘El Diablo.’ The same beast has been seen dragging cattle into the water before.” @Reuters
The horrifying video has since circulated across social media platforms, prompting widespread debate about the ethics of sharing such footage. “People are treating it like entertainment,” wrote one user on Reddit. “A man was killed. That should never be a spectacle.” Others argued the video serves as a grim warning about ignoring wildlife safety rules. “Nature isn’t a theme park,” one commenter said. “It doesn’t care if you’re on vacation.”
Wildlife experts say crocodile attacks are rare but almost always fatal when they occur. “Crocodiles are ambush predators,” explained zoologist Dr. Rafael Cruz in an interview with National Geographic. “They wait silently for hours, blending into the water. Once they strike, it’s over. Their jaws can exert more than 3,000 pounds of pressure per square inch — that’s enough to crush bone instantly.”
According to WWF, Costa Rica’s rivers and mangroves are home to hundreds of American crocodiles, many of which live in proximity to tourist routes. Despite ongoing efforts to educate visitors, fatal incidents continue to occur every few years, often involving intoxicated or overconfident travelers ignoring warning signs.
Local authorities confirmed they are now considering fencing off certain sections of the river to prevent future tragedies. “We cannot afford another death like this,” said Chief Jiménez. “People see a beautiful river and forget it’s a predator’s home.”
“Authorities may now close off the river after tourist’s gruesome death — the second fatal attack this year.” @People
Friends of the victim have launched a GoFundMe campaign to repatriate his remains and support his family in Mexico. In a heartbreaking message shared by his brother, they wrote, “He was full of life and adventure. He thought it was just a joke. Now we’re bringing him home in pieces.”
As the community mourns, locals have placed candles and flowers near the riverbank where the attack occurred, turning the once-popular lookout into a makeshift memorial. “It’s the saddest thing I’ve seen in my 20 years here,” one resident said. “He didn’t deserve to die like that.”
The crocodile involved in the attack has not been captured and remains in the area, according to officials — a chilling reminder of the danger lurking beneath the surface of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waters.