19 May, 2026 @ 12:01
2 mins read

Alicante gynaecologist mauled by a shark on his Maldives honeymoon breaks silence to share recovery battle

A SPANISH doctor who was seriously injured in a shark attack during his honeymoon in the Maldives has spoken publicly for the first time since returning to Spain.

Borja, a gynaecologist from Alicante, described the past few weeks as ‘an intense month filled with pain and uncertainty’.

During a scuba-diving expedition in the Maldives last month, the 31-year-old lost his leg when a shark suddenly attacked him

He was visiting the islands on his honeymoon with his wife Ana.

“After all… it feels so good to be home,” he said online after arriving back in Spain.

READ MORE: Spanish doctor fights for his life after shark rips off his leg during honeymoon in the Maldives

Borja arrived in Spain now to recover surrounded by family and friends. Credit: Instagram

The couple posted several heartfelt updates online in recent days to thank supporters for a flood of messages.

Ana, from Castellon, shared an emotional tribute to her husband on Instagram reflecting on his determination and resilience.

She said those same qualities have become crucial during his recovery following the attack.

Ana admitted it is painful to accept that Borja may no longer be able to play competitive futsal.

READ MORE: Giant whale shark spotted in Strait of Gibraltar as warm-water tropical fish are increasingly making Spanish waters their home

Borja was a futsal player and very active person. Credit: Instagram

The sport was a huge part of his life for years, but she insisted his fighting spirit remains untouched.

“I’m sure we’ll see you discover new sports, get excited again, push yourself, and show yourself once more everything you’re capable of achieving,” she said.

One of the most touching moments came while Borja was recovering in intensive care, when he was able to watch a Champions League football match.

After days filled with fear, Ana said seeing him smile again gave them renewed strength.

READ MORE: Swimmers ordered out of the water in shark alert at Mallorca beach

The doctor lost his leg when a shark attacked him in the Maldives. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

“It was one of those small moments that stay with you forever,” she said.

The couple also marked their first month of marriage with a joint message reflecting on how suddenly life can change.

“Who would have thought that life would test us so soon?” they said.

“If there’s one thing I know for sure after all of this, it’s that there was no better person to weather this storm with.”

READ MORE: Whales in the Strait of Gibraltar are forced to scream at the top of their voices as shipping noise drowns them out 

Ana ended one of her messages with a line that has resonated strongly with supporters online.

“If you have taught us anything, it is that someone’s strength is not measured by the number of times they fall, but by their desire to get back up,” she said.

Borja is now continuing his recovery in Spain surrounded by family and friends.

Click here to read more Alicante News from The Olive Press.

Tess joins The Olive Press from the Thomas More University until the end of May. She has experience writing and made her own magazine about mental health for her bachelor project.

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