Death in Colònia de Sant Jordi: 80-year-old dies after swimming accident

Tragic swimming accident in the southeast of the island

On Saturday afternoon, at one of the small beaches near Colònia de Sant Jordi, a fatal swimming incident occurred. Around 2:30 p.m., beachgoers pulled an 80-year-old man from the water, after which rescue personnel took over care. Despite the immediately initiated resuscitation measures, the man died on the beach.

Rescue operation on site

Several callers had dialed the emergency number; shortly afterward, staff of the health service SAMU 061 and an ambulance with advanced life-support equipment arrived. A rapid intervention team was also involved. Witnesses report that first responders had already begun helping in the water before the professionals took over.

The rescuers used all available means – CPR, ventilation, and a defibrillator were deployed. So quick, so thorough. Unfortunately, the measures were unsuccessful.

How it could have happened

Why exactly the man got into distress is not yet clear. The Guardia Civil and the local police have launched investigations; a medical examiner's report will confirm the cause of death. Locally, it is said that the water appeared calm. This is often deceptive: undercurrents or a sudden medical collapse on land or in the water can lead to such cases.

Colònia de Sant Jordi lies in the southeast part of Mallorca and remains well visited these weeks. The beaches Es Trenc and Es Dolç are not far away; from here small boats also depart to Cabrera Island. Many tourists value the calm bay — but the risk should not be underestimated.

A quiet, urgent takeaway

Such news is hard to write and hard to read. For the relatives there is little consolation. For everyone else: look out for each other at the water. Learn how to dial the emergency number, where the nearest lifeguards are, and how to apply basic first aid in case of doubt. A moment of preparation can save lives.

Our thoughts are with the family and the helpers who did everything they could.