A California couple has shared their harrowing account of witnessing a fatal crocodile attack in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and their attempts to rescue the victim. Jamie Yetter and Chris Bury, from Orange County, were swimming on the evening of June 26 when they heard screams coming from the water.
Initially believing the tourist was caught in a rip current, Bury, 48, grabbed a kayak to assist. However, he was warned about a crocodile in the water as he approached the struggling victim, identified as Irving Mauricio, 28, of Mexico City. Without oars, Bury paddled with his hands to reach the man.
Meanwhile, Yetter watched from the beach as the 12-foot crocodile repeatedly pulled the victim under. She described the scene as gruesome and graphic, noting the immense size of the crocodile. "It was absolutely horrible. We felt so helpless," Yetter, 42, told Fox News Digital.
A search and rescue operation involving multiple agencies, including the Secretariat of the Navy and local civil protection units, was launched. The victim's body was recovered the following morning, and the crocodile was captured.
The beach remained open to tourists following the incident, as is typical for the area. Police indicated that permanent signage and cordoning are in place near river mouths and estuaries to warn of crocodile presence.
Local experts have estimated that the Puerto Vallarta region, particularly areas like Boca de Tomatlán and Boca Negra, is home to approximately 200 to 250 American crocodiles. There has been increased attention on crocodile activity in the region since July 2025, when a 12-foot crocodile was captured on a southern Puerto Vallarta beach.
The victim's mother posted a heartfelt message online mourning the loss of her son. Yetter and Bury, who were on a family trip celebrating a high school graduation, are now urging travelers to be aware of potentially dangerous swimming conditions.
