The story of what happened in a Mexican hotel is quite sad, but I can see how it could have been worse.At Mexico's beach resort, a crocodile attacked a teenage girlKiana Hummel, 18, is from the Bay Area. She was vacationing at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta resort & spa with a friend. Kiana Hummel was about to swim in the ocean at midnight when a 12-foot crocodile attacked her. The crocodile attacked her before she could get in the ocean.The crocodile pulled her in the waterShe struck the Crocodile until her right leg was freedShe tried to escape but the crocodile bit her left angle again and forced her underwater once more. This is far worse than any nightmare.Hummel was screamed by some onlookers who ran to help. Amazingly, they managed to free Hummel from the crocodile and were able bring her to safety.Hummel and other witnesses requested that an ambulance be dispatched immediately after the attack. According to the reports, the staff at the hotel initially refused to call an ambulance. They simply poured water over her wounds and applied bandages.Four hours later, she received medical attention. When she arrived at the hospital she had to pre-pay thousands before she could be helped.Hummel was able to survive and did not lose any of her limbs. She is now unable to walk and must undergo multiple surgeries. Although she is still in hospital, she is now home.If you are curious about how crocodiles could enter the ocean, there is a river that leads to the ocean near the hotel. There is also a viewing area for crocodiles not far from the hotel. Although it is rare for crocodiles to attack humans in the sea, it does happen.Here's a Good Morning America interview featuring HummelTeen describes the crocodile attack on a Mexico beach resort, and how she was able to survive being dragged underwater. More information is available at @marcusmoore https://t.co/kWY5S6eOU4 pic.twitter.com/NkIWtQvymo Good Morning America (@GMA) July 28, 2021Is Marriott responsible?Hummel and her family believe that Marriott should have done more in warning guests about the danger of crocodiles. They believe that Marriott should be held accountable and that they have not reached out to them or attempted to help.A Marriott spokesperson instead released the following statement:We are committed to the safety and security for our guests and associates. We can confirm that proper signage was in place, as well night patrolling and red lights are in place. We regularly review our procedures and consult with the relevant authorities on an ongoing basis. All staff are trained to properly respond to safety issues. All guests are encouraged to be safe.Is that really Marriott? Marriott, really?A small sign warning about crocodiles was posted on the beach. It was not lit at night and was mostly in Spanish. The potential danger of crocodiles was not mentioned anywhere else.Although I am not a lawyer, and this was done in Mexico with an American hotel chain only makes it more complicated), I have a few thoughts.Although crocodile attacks at the beach are not common, it is not the first time such an attack has occurred. In 2018, someone was attacked similarly on the same beach.Hummel didn't know there was a possibility of crocodiles in the ocean. This is why Hummel is frustrated.Marriott recommends that guests be alert for their safety. But what does it look like when there is no lighting and the beach is open at night and a crocodile emerges out of the ocean and attacks you.I don't know who the fault is here. Hummel was not reckless, and she didn't think she was at any risk. Otherwise she wouldn't have ventured into the ocean. Presumably, the hotel was aware of the risk (even though these types of attacks are not common), and more could have been done than simply having a lit-up sign that nobody would see in the dark.The hotel set up chains at night around the beach to warn guests about the dangers of swimming. This seems to be a reasonable thing to do.Bottom lineA 12-foot crocodile attacked an 18-year old at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta just before he went on a nighttime swimming. There were some brave people who heard the screams and helped the teenager. Although the teen will likely make a full recovery, it will be a difficult road.Personaly, I believe Marriott is responsible for both the poor signage and how staff responded.This story reinforces my fear of the ocean. It's the sharks home, and I refuse to go in it (as Ford laughs at me for it). I will be staying away from the ocean in areas that are near rivers or crocodile reserves, as crocodiles are now in the mix.What are your thoughts on this crocodile incident
