British tourist dies after sea rescue operation in Fuerteventura

Emergency services were called after two swimmers got into difficulty at Playa del Águila

A British tourist has died after being pulled from the sea during a rescue operation at Playa del Águila, also known locally as Playa de La Escalera, in the municipality of La Oliva in northern Fuerteventura.

Emergency services were alerted shortly before 5.30pm on May 28, after reports that two people were in difficulty in the water at the popular beach.

According to the Canary Islands Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOES 112), both swimmers were initially caught in trouble offshore, prompting a multi-agency rescue response.

One of the two swimmers managed to make it back to shore without assistance and was treated on the beach by paramedics from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC). The person did not require further hospital treatment.

The second swimmer was located at sea by the Canary Islands Emergency and Rescue Group (GES) helicopter during the search operation. Rescue teams winched the man onboard and immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation while transporting him towards a nearby landing area.

Once back on land, advanced medical teams, including ambulance crews, a medical helicopter unit and local health centre staff, continued intensive resuscitation efforts. Despite these attempts, the man was pronounced dead.

The emergency response also involved Civil Protection volunteers, local police, firefighters and beach rescue teams, all working together during the operation.

The Guardia Civil has opened an investigation and will prepare an official report into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Playa del Águila is a well-known part of the coastline in the north of Fuerteventura, but it is also known for changing sea conditions and strong currents.

As summer approaches, it’s another reminder to take care at the beach, especially unsupervised beaches and bodies of water, where conditions can change quickly and rescue response time can be critical.

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Image: 112 Canarias