Brazilian Surfer Survives After Fish Pierces Heart in Costa Rica

Overview

• Fabiano Duarte da Costa, 42, was struck in the chest by a high‑speed jumping fish while surfing in Pavones on Thursday, May 21, and the animal's beak reportedly penetrated the region of his heart.
• A German doctor on the beach gave decisive first aid, local teams stabilized him, and hours later he was flown to San José for emergency cardiac repair surgery.
• Medical reports cited by the family described open thoracic trauma, traumatic hemopericardium, a severe cardiac lesion and an episode of cardiorespiratory arrest before surgery.
• After days in intensive care and a successful operation, Fabiano has been discharged from hospital care and is recuperating in Costa Rica while awaiting medical clearance and arrangements to return to Brazil.
• Family and friends have launched an online fundraising campaign to cover medical and repatriation costs, which has raised roughly R$48,000–R$51,000, and coverage notes reporting uncertainty over the exact fish species involved.