Fishermen saved in rescue drama in Santa Pola

TWO officers of the Maritime Unit of the local police in Santa Pola have been praised for saving two men from drowning. The pair, aged 50 and 40 and residents of the town, were out fishing near the Santiago Bernabeu coves when they got into difficulty as their boat began to sink.  

The agents of the Maritime Unit quickly located the men, with one saying he could not swim and the other showing signs of hypothermia and panic.

One officer jumped into the sea to rescue them and help them on board the boat. As agents proceeded to warm the men with their own clothing, medical crews were alerted on shore where they were transferred to Elche’s General Hospital.

The Maritime Unit returned to the scene at sea to recover the sunken vessel to avoid spills of pollutants in to the bathing areas. The 3.5m boat with a small Yamaha motor had no registration or regulatory life jackets on board. 

The local police chief and Councillor for Public Safety and Beaches praised the officers for their “flawless performance” which “undoubtedly saved the lives of these two people.”