World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
British grandmother drowns trying to save granddaughter in Menorca
A 70-year-old British grandmother drowned trying to rescue her granddaughter at Cavalleria Beach on Menorca, a Spanish island.
The 10-year-old girl was swept out to sea while on an inflatable during a family holiday.
Strong currents and gusts of nearly 30mph reportedly overturned the inflatable near a rocky area.
The girl's mother and the grandmother's husband also tried to reach her, and beachgoers used a rope to help bring the girl and her mother to safety.
The grandmother died at the scene, while her husband was taken to hospital for cuts and the girl and her mother were treated for panic attacks.
The beach's lifeguard service had ended earlier in the month, so no professional lifeguards were on duty.
The Civil Guard is investigating the incident as an accident and will submit a report to the local court.
A 70-year-old British grandmother drowned while trying to rescue her 10-year-old granddaughter at Cavalleria Beach in Menorca.
The girl had been swept out to sea on an inflatable amid strong currents and gusts of nearly 30mph.
The grandmother’s husband and daughter also tried to reach the child, who was drifting towards a rocky area.
Beachgoers used a rope to help bring the girl and her mother to safety.
Police are investigating the incident, which authorities are treating as an accidental tragedy.
- Who
- A 70-year-old British grandmother drowned; her 10-year-old granddaughter, the girl’s mother and the grandmother’s husband were involved.
- What
- The grandmother drowned while trying to rescue her granddaughter, who had been swept out to sea on an inflatable.
- When
- Around 1pm on Wednesday, October 28.
- Where
- Cavalleria Beach, Menorca, Spain.
- Why
- The girl got into difficulty amid powerful currents; strong gusts capsized the inflatable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The local lifeguard service concluded for the season.
The girl was swept out to sea on an inflatable and the grandmother drowned while attempting a rescue.
Emergency services attended; beachgoers used a rope to help bring the girl and her mother to safety.
- Grandmother
- 70 years old
- Granddaughter
- 10 years old
- Beach
- Cavalleria Beach, Menorca
- Wind gusts
- Nearly 30mph
- Investigation
- Civil Guard-led; authorities treating the incident as accidental