
Moment ‘mini-tsunami' sweeps SIDEWAYS across tourist beach injuring 8 injured as freak wave drags sunbathers over rocks
Freak waves dragged bathers towards rocks as they took a dip in the sea in the Costa de
la
Luz in Spain.
Advertisement
6
Footage shows freak waves sweeping sideways as it drags sunbathers along
Credit: Solarpix
6
The waves slammed a large rock, injuring beachgoers
Credit: Solarpix
6
One of the woman was seen scrambling to escape the freak waves
Credit: Solarpix
6
Las Maravillas beach in Spain
Credit: Solarpix
A 60,000-ton cargo ship has been blamed for
Footage showed dark-coloured water speeding towards the beach before hitting a large rock in the water and rebounding back onto the sand.
A woman sunbathing on the beach could be overheard yelling: 'The rock, the rock,' as she scrambled to escape the wave.
Advertisement
read more world news
Many people were hurt after they were smashed against rocks to the left.
The bizarre water waves, dubbed "mini-tsunami" by the beachgoers, left sunshades scattered over the sand.
A huge cargo ship - thought to be the one that caused the freak waves - was seen in the background.
One witness said afterwards on social media: 'It passed very close to the shore and caused a strong wave that swept several people away.
Advertisement
Most read in The US Sun
Breaking
'People were literally thrown to the ground.'
Another blamed the cargo ship, saying: "It was a huge ship and then it caught the expansive wave like a tsunami, which absorbs the water and then expels it very forcefully.'
Watch terrifying moment massive freak waves batter Peru sweeping away boats & swamping seaside towns
One of the bathers hurt had to be hospitalised.
The woman, identified only as 28-year-old Rocio, said from her
hospital
bed: 'I've got a broken foot and I'm waiting to be operated on.
Advertisement
'I was coming out of the water with a paddleboard when the wave hit me from the left and knocked me to the ground.
'I couldn't see anything and got trapped under the board. I only found out what had happened and that a ship was to blame when I got to hospital.'
She told a Spanish TV station: 'I've got to have an operation on my foot and I've got a long period of rehabilitation ahead of me.
'It's the last thing I wanted at the start of the
summer
.'
An investigation into the incident has been launched, with local authorities trying to find whether the cargo ship had breached rules and came too close to the beach.
Advertisement
The local harbour master's office said overnight, a new speed limit in the area for this type of vessel had been set at 11.5 knots to avoid another "mini-tsunami".
Last year,
Footage captured the monster swells battering the coast of the South American country on the Pacific Ocean.
6
One woman was rushed to the hospital after being injured by the freak waves
Credit: Solarpix
Advertisement
6
A picture of her broken leg
Credit: Solarpix

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I went on the bucket-list Intrepid tour with world-famous beaches, legendary football and 80p cocktails
'I CAN'T dance . . . I'm English,' I insisted in my woeful Spanish. Milandra wasn't taking no for an answer, though, and forced me to my feet. Advertisement 8 I went on a bucket list South America Tour, pictured Rio de Janeiro in Brazil Credit: Getty 8 Relax on world famous Copacabana beach Credit: Getty Before I knew what was happening, she and I were locked in a tight embrace, spinning around the dance floor. I usually avoid dancing in public, but in Buenos Aires, the tango is so culturally important, I felt it would be rude not to try. So I'd paid a visit to one of the city's milongas — ramshackle dance clubs found throughout the Argentine capital — where dance enthusiasts assemble every night to cut a rug with one another. I just hoped the locals wouldn't be too offended by what was essentially an act of desecration on my part, as I clumsily stumbled around the room, trying my best to stay on my feet while not crushing Milandra's. Advertisement READ MORE ON TRAVEL They say it takes two to tango, but really, she was the only one contributing to our performance. I was merely there — a practice dummy, as useful and as graceful as a big sack of sugar, but still, somehow, absolutely thrilled to be a part of it. That's the overriding emotion of South America — sheer and simple joy. I walked around in persistant child-like wonder, gawping idiotically at everything I found myself immersed in. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Nowhere else was that more prevalent than Iguazu Falls, the centrepiece of Intrepid's seven-day Best of Argentina and Brazil tour that starts in Buenos Aires and ends in Rio de Janeiro, via a two-day trip to the most breath-taking natural park I have ever visited. In places like this, guides will lower expectations by explaining that they 'can't promise anything' when it comes to which wildlife will make an appearance. Outside of New York City I found vineyards, breweries and a race track They needn't be so cagey in Iguazu, with the sprawling stretch of jungle that saddles the border between the two countries packed with a gloriously diverse wealth of creatures. Toucans and parrots flew overhead, capybaras relaxed in the cooling waters of the Iguazu River and mischievous coati, a relative of the raccoon, flocked to picnic areas to fight over tourists' dropped scraps. Advertisement All of this, and so much more, plays out in front of the most awe-inspiring backdrop, the falls, which were officially declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011. 'Thrilling ambience' Rickety walkways offer vantage points to view most of the landmark's astounding angles, although guests can also take helicopter rides overhead, as well as a boat ride that is slightly more extreme than its name suggests. My fellow sailors and I were tossed about in our seats as our high-powered vessel first took on a barrage of rapids, before the skilled driver zipped in and out of some of the falls' more powerful sections, completely drenching each of us to the bone. I can't remember ever being quite so soaked, but the cool waters of the aggressive power shower were very refreshing in the 38C heat. Advertisement It also enabled me to gain a truer appreciation of the force of nature I had been lucky enough to spend two exhilarating days exploring. Luckily, the opportunity to relax was provided at my final stop, Rio, where the locals on the famous Copacabana beach go out of their way to prevent you from having to do anything at all. After renting a chair for the day for just £2, I was approached by a steady stream of men with barbecues offering to cook enormous prawns, grilled cheeses or various meats without me ever needing to move from my spot. 8 Iguazu Falls is the centrepiece of Intrepid's seven-day Best of Argentina and Brazil tour Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Toucans fill the jungle Credit: Getty Even more pleasing was the constant flow of vendors serving refreshing caipirinhas, the Brazilian's cocktail of choice — a dangerously drinkable mix of sugar, limes and cachaca, a local spirit made from fermented sugar cane that has the strength of a Long Island iced tea masked by the sweetness of a can of Lilt. They're not just found by the beach, either. In fact, they're sold from stalls throughout the city and range in price from 80p to around £3, according to the extensive research that I selflessly conducted. They're even sold at the city's tourist spots, with bars found on top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers stunning views over the city's beaches and coruscating favelas, as well as the Selaron Steps — 215 stairs colourfully decorated with tiles by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron that connect the city centre with the flamboyantly graffitied Santa Teresa neighbourhood. Advertisement Perilous perch The main sight to see is the Christ The Redeemer statue, which has stood atop Mount Corcovado since 1931. It's an impressive monument to behold, particularly up close, where the craftsmanship that went into carving Jesus' face almost 100 years ago can be truly admired. From its perilous perch, tourists can pick out other famous sights, including the stage where most of Rio's carnival celebrations take place, and the Maracana stadium, where the Brazilian national football team and Flamengo play. South American fans are considered to be among the more rambunctious, so, keen to see what all the fuss was about, I got myself a ticket, with Intrepid's tours including matches as an optional extra. Advertisement The streets surrounding the 78,000-seat arena were bursting with life from as much as two hours before kick-off, with barbecues, beer and, of course, caipirinhas all on offer, as Flamengo fans in their Dennis The Menace-esque black and red home shirts made their way to the ground. Once inside the legendary stadium, the noise and atmosphere only intensified, with samba beats being beaten loudly from drums, while pyrotechnics and giant flags enhanced the thrilling ambience. I did my best to sing along with the home fans, despite not knowing any Portuguese, and by the end I felt like an honorary member of their troop as we roared on Flamengo to a hard-fought 1-0 win. Then, as the fans filtered out afterwards, singing and dancing into the night, I ordered a final caipirinha and already began to feel a profound sense of longing for this truly magnificent part of the world before I'd even started packing for my flight home the next morning. Advertisement Luckily, with trips like Intrepid's highlights tour, it's easy enough to plan another visit for the not-too-distant future. I just need to make sure I take a few tango lessons beforehand, so I can sweep Milandra off her feet next time, instead of almost standing all over them. 8 The tango is so culturally important to Argentina Credit: Getty 8 Enjoy a kickabout at the Maracanã, Brazil Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 There is a constant flow of vendors serving refreshing caipirinhas Credit: Getty 8 A macaw at Iguazu falls Credit: Getty GO: South America Tour GETTING THERE: Air Europa flies from the UK to Buenos Aires in Argentina from £636 return. See TOURING THERE: A seven-day Best of Argentina & Brazil tour costs from £2,304pp including accommodation, transfers, tours and some meals (six breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner). Flights cost extra, but Intrepid can book these for travellers along with their tour. See


The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Spain & Portugal ‘still hot' warning for Irish tourists as thunderstorm alert issued amid deadly 39C Europe heatwave
AN URGENT warning has been issued to Irish tourists over thunderstorms and scorching heatwaves sweeping across Europe. Irish holiday hotspots in Spain and 4 Europe continues to battle the scorching heatwave Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 Spain and Portugal are at risk of thunderstorms Credit: EPA Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather revealed that most European countries are still suffering scorching heat, as Ireland and the miss out on it. Yesterday, the majority of reached a whopping 31C, while Portugal saw temperatures hit 33C and Spain experienced 37C high s. O'Reilly said: "The extreme heat in Northern France has eased off and will further over the coming days. "Still hot in parts of READ MORE ON TRAVEL "Ireland missing out on the heat." The thunderstorm radar map reveals that Northern Spain, including Vigo, Oviedo, Santander and The thunderstorms are expected to last for two days, with Saturday highlighted as the peak for thunder activity. On Saturday, the thunderstorm from Spain will slowly spread across Northern Portugal, affecting MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Thunderstorms may bring heavy rain and even hail to some areas. Golf ball-sized hail & raging wildfires spark chaos across Europe as killer heat dome looms This means that Irish jetsetters hoping to escape to the sun might find themselves disappointed. No official weather warning has been issued by Spain or Portugal's meteorological agency, but it is expected that they will issue it in a short period. Holidaymakers are advised to take caution in severe weather, especially with the extreme heat, and follow the authority guidelines. HEATWAVE WARNINGS However, the warnings for Spain over the major heatwave remain in effect for some parts as the heatwave, which originated from the African continent, continues to have a grip on Spain's climate. State Meteorological Agency, AEMET , has warnings in place for Palma, Cordoba, Sevilla, Leon and Madrid over the extreme heat until July 6, with some parts still reaching up to 39C. Spanish health officials have urged tourists and locals to take extra care in the heat, stay outside of the sun and stay hydrated. They also encouraged people to pay close attention to those who are older, pregnant or who have chronic health conditions. Portugal urged people to stay in cool or air-conditioned environments for at least two to three hours a day and avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially during midday when it's at its peak. Using sunscreen with a factor of 30 or higher is recommended. Ensure to reapply it every two hours and after swimming at the beach or pool. 4 Tourists are urged to follow local authority advice during extreme weather conditions Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 Ireland is avoiding the deadly heat Credit: Carlow Weather


The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Moment ‘mini-tsunami' sweeps SIDEWAYS across tourist beach injuring 8 injured as freak wave drags sunbathers over rocks
THIS is the shocking moment a "mini-tsunami" swept sideways across a tourist beach - leaving eight people injured. Freak waves dragged bathers towards rocks as they took a dip in the sea in the Costa de la Luz in Spain. Advertisement 6 Footage shows freak waves sweeping sideways as it drags sunbathers along Credit: Solarpix 6 The waves slammed a large rock, injuring beachgoers Credit: Solarpix 6 One of the woman was seen scrambling to escape the freak waves Credit: Solarpix 6 Las Maravillas beach in Spain Credit: Solarpix A 60,000-ton cargo ship has been blamed for Footage showed dark-coloured water speeding towards the beach before hitting a large rock in the water and rebounding back onto the sand. A woman sunbathing on the beach could be overheard yelling: 'The rock, the rock,' as she scrambled to escape the wave. Advertisement read more world news Many people were hurt after they were smashed against rocks to the left. The bizarre water waves, dubbed "mini-tsunami" by the beachgoers, left sunshades scattered over the sand. A huge cargo ship - thought to be the one that caused the freak waves - was seen in the background. One witness said afterwards on social media: 'It passed very close to the shore and caused a strong wave that swept several people away. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Breaking 'People were literally thrown to the ground.' Another blamed the cargo ship, saying: "It was a huge ship and then it caught the expansive wave like a tsunami, which absorbs the water and then expels it very forcefully.' Watch terrifying moment massive freak waves batter Peru sweeping away boats & swamping seaside towns One of the bathers hurt had to be hospitalised. The woman, identified only as 28-year-old Rocio, said from her hospital bed: 'I've got a broken foot and I'm waiting to be operated on. Advertisement 'I was coming out of the water with a paddleboard when the wave hit me from the left and knocked me to the ground. 'I couldn't see anything and got trapped under the board. I only found out what had happened and that a ship was to blame when I got to hospital.' She told a Spanish TV station: 'I've got to have an operation on my foot and I've got a long period of rehabilitation ahead of me. 'It's the last thing I wanted at the start of the summer .' An investigation into the incident has been launched, with local authorities trying to find whether the cargo ship had breached rules and came too close to the beach. Advertisement The local harbour master's office said overnight, a new speed limit in the area for this type of vessel had been set at 11.5 knots to avoid another "mini-tsunami". Last year, Footage captured the monster swells battering the coast of the South American country on the Pacific Ocean. 6 One woman was rushed to the hospital after being injured by the freak waves Credit: Solarpix Advertisement 6 A picture of her broken leg Credit: Solarpix