A British woman died following a parasailing accident in Benidorm after her glide is said to have spun out of control.
The 66-year-old is said to have smashed onto rocks after a strong gust of wind led to a breakage in the parasailing line tethering the parachute canopy to the towing boat.
The woman went into cardiac arrest on impact with the rocks but efforts to revive her after she was taken to Villajoyosa Hospital near Benidorm were unsuccessful and she succumbed to her injuries.
The man, believed to be her husband, survived but is thought to have suffered injuries including broken ribs and was said to be ‘walking wounded.’
The incident happened at around 6.50pm yesterday when a sudden change in weather conditions in the area led to a red flag being raised for swimmers in the popular Costa Blanca resort.
An orange alert had been issued for the entire Alicante province yesterday afternoon, with weather chiefs warning of severe storms, large hail and dangerous wind gusts.
Footage published online overnight appeared to show the moment when the couple were careering towards the rocks at the mercy of the wind as the drama unfolded near Benidorm’s Rincon de Loix area.
The sky had gone from blue to an ominous black during the sudden weather change conditions and the hot and muggy conditions prevalent earlier in the day had been replaced by strong gusts of wind and rain.
Witnesses recounting the moments leading up to the horror incident described moments of anguish as they saw the parasail spiral out of control following the line break and the couple head towards rocks.
One told local press: ‘It was clear they were going to crash.’
A police investigation into the incident has been launched and is ongoing.
Yellow flag weather conditions enabling the parasailing excursion to go ahead were in place when the boat went out to sea with the couple.
The probe is expected to focus on whether the accident was directly related to the anticipated sudden change in weather conditions.
Water sports companies in Benidorm typically offer holidaymakers parasailing outings for around £70, with the price dropping slightly for two people.
One firm advertises the excursions online by saying: ‘Fly over the bay of Benidorm from more than 150 metres above the sea with a unique view of Benidorm’s beaches and skyline.’
Another says: ‘Enjoy stunning views flying at over 150 metres high. You will take a boat ride with a drink included, with music and lots of entertainment.’
Metro has contacted the Foreign Office for a comment.