Cruel sea claims the lives of three bathers

THREE people have lost their lives while swimming in Nijar and Pulpi.
The Nijar deaths occurred on the same morning in heavy seas whipped up by a treacherous Levante wind.
The lifeless body of a 40- year-old Almeria City resident was spotted and recovered near the Los Toros cove. Minutes later a woman seen in difficulties and calling for help in Cala del Plomo was rescued by the emergency services. She was taken by helicopter to Torrecardenas Hospital but did not survive the journey.
Two other swimmers in trouble at Cala del Plomo that morning were helped safely ashore. Locals said they had warned visitors not to swim in the dangerous conditions.
When Levante is blowing, Aguamarga, San Pedro, La Isleta, Escullos, Higuera, all off Cabo de Gata and north of Genoveses are safest for swimmers, advised David Giner, an expert diver and sea rescue collaborator.
A third life was lost on Monday when an 86-year-old man suffered a heart attack while swimming off San Juan de los Terreros.