A Northern California woman, Kiana Hummel, 18, survived a crocodile attack while night swimming at the Marriott beach resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
The 12-foot animal bit her leg and dragged her screaming into the water. Fortunately, her friend and four good Samaritans were able to save her.
Speaking from her hospital bed at Marin General Hospital, Hummel said that she was grateful that people were there to help.
“Without them, I don’t think I would have gotten out.”
Sarah Laney, 34, a witness to the incident, was with her friends when she heard Hummel’s screams and rushed to help.
“We’d get her a foot out of the water, and then the crocodile would pull her back in. It happened about 4-5 times. It was really a tug-o-war,” Laney said.
CROCODILE ATTACK: A Bay Area teenager vacationing in Puerto Vallarta was attacked and dragged into the ocean by a 12ft crocodile. This happened at the Marriott resort.
— Liz Kreutz (@ABCLiz) July 27, 2021
Thankfully, Kiana Hummel survived. She is currently undergoing surgery at Marin General. pic.twitter.com/jtEMHncaxY
“We have appropriate signage and red flags in place, as well as night patrolling,” Krestin Sachl, a spokeswoman for Marriott properties, said in a prepared statement.
“We work with appropriate authorities closely, and our staff is trained to respond to safety matters appropriately. We encourage guests to be vigilant”.
