A British tourist has died after a parasailing accident off the coast of Benidorm in which a second person was seriously injured.
The tragedy occurred on Monday evening near Tío Ximo Cove and the Cola de Caballo rocky headland, at the eastern end of the resort’s Levante Beach.
Emergency services were alerted at 6.41pm after the line connecting the parasail to its towing boat reportedly broke. The two occupants were then carried uncontrollably towards the coastline before crashing onto rocks in the Rincón de Loix area.
Parasailing is one of Benidorm’s most popular summer activities. Participants are secured beneath a specially designed parachute and pulled through the air by a speedboat, allowing them to enjoy panoramic views of the resort and its coastline.
Medical teams attending the accident treated a 70-year-old British woman who had suffered cardiorespiratory arrest and multiple traumatic injuries. Paramedics initially succeeded in reviving her after carrying out emergency resuscitation procedures.
She was transferred in a critical condition to Marina Baixa Hospital in Villajoyosa but later died from her injuries.
A 47-year-old man who had been participating in the activity with her also suffered multiple injuries. He was taken to Sant Joan d’Alacant University Hospital for further treatment. The precise relationship between the two participants has not been officially confirmed.
Several witnesses described seeing the parasail lose control and drift towards the rocks after apparently becoming separated from the towing boat. Beachgoers watched helplessly as the canopy was carried towards the Rincón de Loix coastline.
Witnesses said it quickly became apparent that the two occupants were at risk of striking the headland, but there was nothing those watching from the beach could do to prevent the impact.
The reported failure of the tow line will be a central part of the Civil Guard investigation. Officers are expected to examine the rope and other parasailing equipment to determine whether the line snapped because of excessive strain, a technical defect or another factor.
Weather conditions at the time will also be closely examined. The accident happened during a period of rapidly changing sea and wind conditions, with strong gusts being recorded elsewhere in Alicante province.
A yellow weather warning was reportedly in force when the parasailing boat set out. Witnesses said conditions deteriorated later in the afternoon and that a red flag was subsequently raised on Levante Beach.
Investigators will seek to establish exactly when the weather changed, whether the stronger winds could reasonably have been anticipated and what safety measures were taken by the company operating the activity.
The Civil Guard has opened a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Officers will examine the condition and maintenance of the equipment, the conduct of the excursion, prevailing weather conditions and whether all required maritime and safety regulations were followed.
