article_detail
Date Published: 04/10/2024
UK tourist, 72, drowns on Costa Blanca beach
The holidaymaker suffered a heart attack while swimming in Guardamar del Segura
A 72-year-old British holidaymaker has become the latest drowning victim on the beaches of Guardamar del Segura on the Costa Blanca.
The holidaymaker, who was swimming in the sea, is believed to have suffered a heart attack before being pulled unconscious from the water at 3.30 pm on Thursday October 3.
Despite the calm sea conditions and good weather, the man's life was cut short in a split second.
Lifeguards who were on duty at the time, were swift to respond, but unfortunately, their efforts were unable to save the tourist.
This latest tragedy marks the seventh fatal incident on Guardamar shores this year, with previous episodes occurring at the notorious La Roqueta beach.
In June, two men, including 52-year-old Bryn Thomas from Southampton, lost their lives while attempting to rescue two children who were struggling in the sea. An inquest into Thomas's death was opened in Winchester in July.
La Roqueta beach has proven to be a hotbed for these terrible incidents, with four fatalities occurring within just 48 hours at the start of June. The victims included a 68-year-old Israeli and a German national.
The local council has taken measures to warn bathers of the dangers of strong ocean currents in the area, with signs posted in both English and Spanish, and lifeguards will remain on duty until October 15.
This incident comes just two days after a similar tragedy occurred off the coast of Mallorca, where a British man, believed to be in his 60s or 70s, was found dead while snorkelling in a remote spot near the Malgrats Islands.
Image: Zarateman via Wikimedia Commons
Loading
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox
Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)
OR
you can sign up to our FREE weekly roundup!
Read some of our recent bulletins:
25% Discount Special Offer subscription:
36.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
(List price 3 months 12 Bulletins)
Read more stories from around Spain:
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268