MISSING DIVER VANISHES OFF CHILE AS BITE MARKS ON HIS GEAR SPARK SHARK ATTACK FEARS

A major search operation is underway off the coast of Chile for a 46-year-old diver who disappeared during a routine dive, after equipment believed to belong to him was found showing unusual marks that may have been caused by a shark.

Carlos Aquea Álvarez, an experienced commercial diver and champion spearfisher, was last seen on Saturday, September 26, after heading into the waters near Caleta Chañaral.

Five days later, he had still not been found.

His disappearance has prompted a large-scale search involving teams on land, at sea and in the air, while authorities continue to investigate what may have happened beneath the water.

CARLOS FAILED TO RETURN FROM A ROUTINE DIVE

Carlos’ wife contacted police in Coquimbo several hours after he failed to make contact.

A search operation was launched the following day around the coastal area of Caleta Chañaral.

Investigators and rescue teams located several items believed to be connected to the missing diver.

His white Nissan Terrano pickup truck was found on land.

At sea, search teams recovered diving fins and a harpoon.

It was the condition of the fins that raised new questions.

Investigators reportedly found unusual marks on the equipment that could potentially be consistent with contact with an underwater predator.

BITE MARKS SPARK SHARK THEORY

Dr Cristián Araya-Jaime of the University of La Serena said there was evidence on some of the recovered equipment that could be connected to a shark incident.

He specifically pointed to the fins and their unusual markings.

The possibility has raised fears that Carlos may have encountered a shark while diving.

However, that theory has not been confirmed.

Dr Neiti Morales, a researcher at the Centre for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands and the Fisheries Development Institute, urged caution when interpreting the marks.

She explained that shark teeth are generally positioned closely together and would normally be expected to leave a more continuous pattern.

She also noted that sharks bite with their heads and typically tear away a section rather than leaving only isolated marks.

The Maritime Authority has likewise refused to rule out other explanations.

Captain Cristián González said authorities were not excluding any possibility regarding what happened to Carlos.

AN EXPERIENCED DIVER AND CHAMPION SPEARFISHER

Carlos is a civil construction engineer as well as a professional commercial diver.

He reportedly has almost 30 years of diving experience.

His connection with the ocean began when he was a child.

His parents gave him his first mask and snorkel when he was seven years old.

Over the years, he became an accomplished spearfisher.

In 2024, Carlos became Chile’s national spearfishing champion before going on to win a Pan-American title.

His experience makes his disappearance particularly concerning to those involved in the search.

Carlos is also a husband and father to young children.

His family is now waiting for answers as rescue teams continue looking for him.

A SEARCH CONTINUES ACROSS LAND AND SEA

The search has involved multiple areas around the Chilean coast.

Teams have been working across land, air and water in an attempt to locate Carlos or find additional evidence that could explain his disappearance.

The discovery of his vehicle and diving equipment has provided investigators with potential clues, but there has been no confirmed discovery of Carlos himself.

At present, authorities have not announced that his body has been recovered.

They have also not confirmed that a shark was involved.

The investigation therefore remains open.

CHILEAN WATERS ARE HOME TO MANY MARINE SPECIES

Chile has a diverse marine ecosystem.

More than 100 species of sharks, rays and chimaeras are found in Chilean waters.

That does not, however, establish that a shark was responsible for Carlos’ disappearance.

Experts have stressed that the marks on the equipment need to be interpreted carefully before any conclusion can be reached.

The possibility of a shark encounter is one theory being considered alongside other explanations.

A FAMILY WAITING FOR ANSWERS

For Carlos’ wife and young children, the central question remains painfully simple:

Where is Carlos?

His disappearance has now entered its fifth day, while the discovery of his damaged equipment has added another layer of uncertainty.

The unusual marks have sparked fears of a possible shark encounter, but investigators still have no definitive evidence establishing what happened.

Until Carlos is found, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unknown.

The search continues off Chile’s coast, with authorities examining every available clue.

For his family, the hope remains that the ongoing operation will finally provide an answer about what happened to the experienced diver who went into the water — and never returned.