Disturbing video footage shared online after the tragic death of a British man who drowned while on vacation in South America has captured a heartbreaking scene of a woman mourning next to his lifeless body.
James Winkles, a 30-year-old newlywed from the Isle of Wight, was reportedly on a trip to a coastal resort in Colombia with friends and his new wife when the incident occurred over the weekend. His body was found washed up on El Laguito Beach in Cartagena on March 22, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) providing assistance to his family.
Mr. Winkles had been in the city for 12 days before the tragic drowning incident, and distressing footage shared posthumously showed the emotional response of his significant other.
The video, posted locally along with images of the deceased man sourced from social media, depicted a woman believed to be his partner kneeling beside his covered body on the shore, visibly distraught and repeatedly saying, “My baby, oh my baby,” followed by a loud cry of “No.”
According to local sources, Mr. Winkles is believed to have lost his life after encountering difficulties in the sea near the Caribbean port city of Cartagena.
Emergency services were alerted around 7am local time on March 22 (2am GMT) in the popular El Laguito area. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reports indicated rough sea conditions at the time of the incident. An investigation into the tragic event was ongoing, although authorities have labeled the British tourist’s death as accidental.
His body was taken to a local forensic institute for a post-mortem examination. Colombian media outlets have shared images of the deceased man from social media. An FCDO spokesperson stated, “We are providing support to the family of a British national who passed away in Colombia.”
James, who was employed at a family-operated car dealership in Ryde, became the second individual to drown off El Laguito Beach this year.
Another victim, Chef Samuel Peñates Cortina, 21, was swept away by rough seas on February 7 while with his partner near the Hilton Hotel as severe weather conditions hit the Colombian Caribbean. Large waves and strong winds were reported during this period, significantly affecting sea safety.
He disappeared from sight in mere seconds, and his body was later found floating in the sea after several days, as confirmed by local authorities to the El Universal newspaper.
Authorities have issued warnings to residents and tourists, advising them to avoid the sea during rough conditions, which are not uncommon in the area.
