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Introduction
A fatal shore-excursion incident occurred on December 18, 2025, when an 85-year-old German passenger from the cruise ship AIDAmar was swept into the sea by powerful waves along Spain’s north-western coastline near Baiona, close to Vigo. The incident took place amid severe marine conditions, despite official weather warnings being in effect.
Details of the Incident
Excursion Context:
- AIDAmar had made a scheduled port call in Vigo earlier that day.
- Passengers participating in a shore excursion were transported by bus to a coastal area near Concheira Beach in the municipality of Baiona.
- The excursion group reportedly consisted of approximately 50 guests.
Accident Circumstances:
- According to local reports, the victim briefly separated from the group and approached rocks near the surf to take photographs.
- At approximately 2:30 p.m., a large wave struck the rocks, sweeping the woman into the sea.
- A nearby resident witnessed the incident and immediately alerted emergency services.
Rescue and Emergency Response:
- Spanish Maritime Rescue, the Galician Coast Guard, Civil Guard vessels, local police, underwater rescue teams, and a rescue helicopter were deployed.
- Despite the rapid mobilisation of air and sea assets, the woman’s body was later recovered on the nearby shoreline.
- Medical teams at the scene were unable to revive her.
Aftermath:
- The remainder of the excursion group was reportedly unaware of the disappearance until returning to the bus for re-embarkation.
- Emergency services secured the area and provided support while recovery operations concluded.
Weather Conditions and Warnings:
- Spain’s meteorological authorities had issued an orange weather warning for the Galician coast on the day of the incident.
- Conditions included strong south-southwest winds of 50–74 km/h.
- Wave heights were reported at 6–7 metres in exposed coastal areas.
- Investigators indicated that the severity of the marine conditions may not have been fully appreciated by those ashore.
Safety Context:
- The incident underscores the dangers posed by rugged coastlines and heavy surf, particularly during storm warnings.
- Authorities stress the importance of adherence to local safety advisories and maintaining distance from exposed coastal edges during excursions.