British Man Drowns Off Gran Canaria Beach, Another Hospitalised in Tragic Incident

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A British man has died and another hospitalised after encountering difficulty while swimming at a beach in San Cristóbal, within the municipality of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Emergency services responded quickly, but one of the swimmers could not be revived.

The tragic incident unfolded just after midnight on Friday, 18 July, when a 70-year-old and a 65-year-old man were pulled from the sea after showing signs of drowning. According to reports from 1-1-2 Canarias, the emergency coordination service for the Government of the Canary Islands, multiple calls were received requesting urgent medical aid after the pair got into difficulty in the bathing area.

A comprehensive emergency response was launched by the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC: Servicio de Urgencias Canario), including a Rapid Intervention Vehicle (VIR), two medicalised ambulances, a standard ambulance, and two basic life support ambulances. Local and national police also attended the scene.

Despite the swift arrival of first responders, the 70-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. The 65-year-old, who suffered what responders described as a “moderate incomplete drowning,” was stabilised and transported to the Insular University Hospital of Gran Canaria. Authorities have yet to issue a formal update on his condition. Police noted no suspicion of third-party involvement, and the case is being treated as a tragic accident.

This is the latest in a string of holiday drownings involving British nationals abroad, reinforcing calls for increased awareness around water safety for travellers. Just days earlier, a separate case in Portugal saw another British man lose his life after reportedly attempting to save his friend in a hotel swimming pool. That incident has prompted emotional tributes, with a candlelit memorial created along Ipswich Waterfront to honour the victims.

These tragedies are a sobering reminder of the dangers of open water, especially for older individuals or those with underlying health conditions. The effectiveness of rapid medical response, while crucial, is not always enough to overcome the unpredictable nature of such emergencies. Holidaymakers are being urged to exercise caution, respect local safety advisories, and never swim alone or in unfamiliar waters, particularly after dark.