Two men were found dead following a quiet early-morning incident off Port de la Selva in Girona, where a sailboat ran aground near a coastal stretch known locally as the Cape of Abundance. The two victims, both French, were aged 78 and 76. They were seen in the water and were subsequently rescued, but medical responders confirmed their deaths. Authorities are continuing the investigation, with the prevailing assessment indicating accidental death rather than foul play.
Just after midnight, a call to the emergency number directed responders to a beach within the urbanized area where the sailboat had run aground. The vessel remains tied to the nearby residential district and presented a hazard to swimmers and residents in the vicinity.
The site of the incident features the S’Arnella lighthouse, and initial positioning placed the vessel near rocks along the shoreline. The Port de la Selva Municipal Guard arrived swiftly and located the grounded boat. Units from Mossos d’Esquadra, two fire crews, SEM, and Sea Rescue helicopters joined the operation to manage the scene and conduct searches for anyone needing assistance.
Firefighters proceeded with care to the spot where the two sailors lay, repositioning them onto the rocks so that rescue teams could provide medical care. Sea Rescue later provided air support, lifting two survivors by helicopter. The focus of the operation remained the S’Arnella lighthouse area, as reported by the fire department and rescue services.
Emergency personnel transported the two deceased men to the beach, where clinicians initiated resuscitation attempts. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the men could not be revived. A medical professional subsequently confirmed the deaths of both individuals.
accidental death
The Civil Guard Judicial Police opened an inquiry to determine the sequence of events. Early indications ruled out violence, and investigators are working with the working theory that the deaths were accidental. Patrols are examining whether both men died while attempting to exit the sinking sailboat. GEAS units are anticipated to join the effort to assist with the assessment of the vessel and the surrounding area.
It is noted that responders in the area alerted authorities via SOS, and the rough sea conditions may have contributed to the tragedy. Forensic analyses will provide confirmation of the exact cause of death and clarify the sequence of events surrounding the incident.
The sunken sailboat remained visible on the water early in the day and was positioned in a way that required removal. Plans called for its extraction as soon as practical, though adverse weather, particularly strong winds, could delay the operation into later in the week when forecast conditions improve. Observers suggested that the sailors may have drifted toward Port de la Selva, while others offered alternative accounts of those present at the port during the events. At present, no definitive conclusions have been reached.
Very bad sea and wind
The mayor of Port de la Selva, Josep Maria Cervera, stated that it is not yet clear whether the two victims were residents of the municipality at the time of the incident or had left and were returning. He noted continued rough seas over several days and warned that conditions remain dangerous under a northerly wind, with gusts reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour. The mayor emphasized that such weather patterns have deterred local fishermen from heading out to sea in the past week, underscoring the perilous environment that contributed to the event.