A man from the UK passed away in Fuerteventura following a daring helicopter rescue from the sea.
Responding to a distress call at Playa de La Escalera in the La Oliva municipality of the Canary Island’s north, emergency services rushed to the scene on Thursday around 5:30 pm. The call indicated that two individuals were struggling in the water near the beach.
The man was spotted by rescuers aboard a helicopter from the Canary Islands Emergency and Rescue Group (GES), as reported by Canarian Weekly. After being hoisted to safety, it was discovered that he was in cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR was initiated during the transportation to a nearby landing area.
Despite efforts by paramedics, a medical helicopter team, and health center personnel, the man was pronounced deceased on-site.
The second swimmer managed to self-extract from the water and received medical attention on the beach from paramedics. The individual declined further hospitalization after being treated at the location, according to the Canary Islands Government’s 112 Emergency Service.
The rescue mission involved participation from lifeguards at La Oliva beach, maritime rescue units, Civil Protection volunteers, local police, and firefighters. An official investigation is being conducted by the Civil Guard, and a detailed report on the incident is being prepared.
The Mirror has reached out to the Foreign Office for a statement.
