Emergency services have recovered the body of a 50-year-old man off the coast of Charco Manso, in the municipality of Valverde, on the island of El Hierro, after he failed to return from a freediving trip.
According to a statement from the Canary Islands' Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES), the man had gone out earlier in the day to practise apnoea fishing, a form of freediving, in the well-known coastal area, which features natural pools and rocky outcrops.
When several hours passed without any news or sign of the man, concerned relatives and friends raised the alarm. This prompted the activation of a search and rescue operation involving multiple emergency response teams.
The man’s body was ultimately spotted at 7:35pm last night by an emergency helicopter. Rescue personnel recovered the body and flew it to land, where paramedics on the scene confirmed his death.
Charco Manso is a popular location for swimmers and anglers due to its scenic rock formations and natural swimming areas. However, as with many open-water activities, local authorities regularly remind the public to take extra precautions when diving or fishing in isolated coastal areas.
An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is now underway.
