Brazilian surfer Fabiano Duarte da Costa, 42, was seriously injured after being pierced in the chest by a needlefish, a species known for leaping out of the water at high speed, in Costa Rica. The impact perforated his heart and left him fighting for his life.
According to local media, a doctor who was on the beach managed to stabilize him before emergency crews arrived. He was later airlifted to a hospital in San José, where he had to undergo complex heart surgery. He is currently hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
The case caused shock because of how unusual the accident was. Needlefish can leap out of the water at speeds close to 60 km/h, and their long, sharp beaks have caused serious injuries and even deaths in different countries.