A 61-year-old swimmer, a resident of Villa Joiosa, died this afternoon off the coast of Tabarca, according to people close to the case who spoke with this newspaper. The tragedy unfolded as the swimmer was out in the water near the island, a location that sees regular visits from residents and visitors who enjoy its clear waters and calm afternoon conditions. Witnesses describe how the swimmer was seen actively swimming and participating in a routine water activity before distress appeared. The sequence of events, though still under investigation, points to a sudden medical emergency that struck while he was in the sea, prompting rapid action from bystanders and local responders alike. The facts available at this time indicate that the incident occurred in the mid-to-late afternoon, a period when many recreational swimmers and boaters share the area with commercial and leisure traffic. After lifeguards and nearby maritime services arrived, emergency teams worked to revive the swimmer using standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, but despite vigorous effort, the person did not regain consciousness. The case has been forwarded to Alicante’s duty court for formal proceedings, in line with the jurisdictional procedures that accompany deaths arising in open waters near Spanish coastal towns.
The body of the deceased swimmer was transported from the scene to the port of Alicante by the Civil Guard Marine Services, which coordinates swift transit for cases requiring medical examination. Once at the port, the body was subsequently moved to a medical facility for a formal autopsy. The aim of the examination is to determine the exact cause of death and to establish whether the fatal outcome was the result of drowning, a pre-existing medical condition, or another factor that may have contributed to the event. Medical examiners at the Alicante Institute of Forensic Medicine will conduct the autopsy, with findings expected to clarify the sequence of events and provide closure for the family and the local community. The investigation will consider the swimmer’s medical history, environmental conditions at the time, and any contributing factors observed by rescuers during the response. The authorities typically notify next of kin and follow standard protocols for reporting on incidents of this nature, while preserving all evidentiary material for the ongoing inquiry.
The newspaper attempted to obtain more details from municipal authorities regarding the emergency on Tabarca. The City Council has assigned officers from the Local Police and a lifeguard service to respond to incidents in the island’s waters, a resource that residents rely on during peak seasons when tourism increases and the sea attracts both casual and more experienced swimmers. While officials have not released a comprehensive account of the incident, the collaboration between municipal security services and maritime responders is routinely demonstrated in such situations, reflecting a steady commitment to public safety and rapid emergency response. As this case continues through official channels, the community watches for updates and awaits the formal conclusions that will elucidate the circumstances surrounding the swimmer’s death, while authorities reiterate the importance of water safety measures in busy coastal areas.