Surfers safe in air sea rescue
Storm traps party in Jávea cove
Storm traps party in Jávea cove
RESCUERS braved two metre high waves to rescue a party of paddle surfers trapped in a Jávea cove on Sunday.
The Valencia-based helicopter of the marine rescue service Salvamento Maritímo was scrambled to aid the operation - 19 of the party were winched into the aircraft; three others were taken on board a coastguard ship.
And an investigation has been launched after it was alleged organisers ignored weather warnings a storm was imminent - they could face being charged for the dramatic rescue effort.
The international party arrived from Valencia by coach; the Spanish, British and Germans and set off from the beach at Granadella. One of the party turned back frightened by the already heavy seas and gusting winds - she raised the alarm when they were overdue by two hours at around 16.00.
It triggered a rescue operation that was to last almost eight hours into the night; the missing 22 members of the water sports group were located pinned against the foot of cliffs in the remote Cova del Llop Mari.
As well as the marine rescue group, there were specialist Guardia Civil divers, mountain rescuers, firefighters, local police, Civil Guard, Red Cross, and Civil Protection. They set up a command post at Granadella.
However, an attempt to reach the stranded group from the cliff top was abandoned as being too dangerous and the Helimer 202 chopper took off from Valencia to help.
Divers
In the meantime the four divers of the GEAS in teams of two were able to swim into the cove - the sea's too dangerous for boats or the Jáveabased rescue ship Salvamar Diphda to approach in gusts of up to 120kmh winds because of the rugged coastal rocks- taking thermal blankets and water.
The helicopter arrived and members of the crew were lowered by winch, together with the rescue cage. The first seven people, including a woman with a broken arm and youngster, were flown to hospital.
On its return another 12 were winched to safety, some showing the first signs of hypothermia and two with suspected broken ribs.