Cartagena emergency services were successful in their rescue of a fisherman in his early 30s, trapped in a rocky area of Cabo Tiñoso. The man had suffered severe knee pain and was unable to leave on his own. First responders were alerted to the incident early on the morning of Sunday, July 5.

An early morning rescue at Cabo Tiñoso, Cartagena

The man, 31, who had been fishing, became trapped in an area behind Las Baterías de Castillitos, a military fortress in the rural Cartagena district of Perin, after suffering a knee injury and being unable to return on his own. The call for the 061 emergency medical service was received at 4:13am, and first responders leapt into action to rescue the man.

Perilous terrain complicates sea evacuation

The man had become injured as he was trying to access the fishing area. The scene of the incident where the man was located, due to its characteristics, was difficult to reach, leading to the deployment of the Cartagena City Council Fire Department’s aquatic team, which subsequently carried out the rescue by sea.

The fisherman was safely evacuated and treated immediately by an awaiting medical team, who carried out an assessment of his injuries. Finally, the operation concluded at 6:45am, just over two and a half hours after the initial call.

Cabo Tiñoso, an idyllic spot for fishing, but a dangerous spot to be injured

Cabo Tiñoso, in the Cartagena municipality of the Costa Calida, is notorious for its steep and rocky cliffs and isolated coves, featuring sheer drops and jagged limestone formations that make foot access highly perilous, especially under the cover of darkness. This means that trapped fishermen and swimmers are a more common occurrence in these areas. 

In areas like these, it is imperative that hikers, swimmers, and other people enjoying the area know the essential safety tips to help stay alert and ready in the case of an emergency.

Essential safety tips for coastal anglers and hikers

There are a few things that fishermen and hikers in this area can do to avoid becoming trapped and injured like the fisherman from Cabo Tiñoso.

These include:

• Never fishing or hiking alone at night.
• Bringing enough water to avoid heat exhaustion.
• Studying the terrain beforehand.
• Tracking the tides and sea swell.
• Wearing high-traction, specialized footwear.
• Keeping your phone accessible and charged.
• Carrying a headlamp and signalling tools.
• Informing someone on land of your exact coordinates.

If you find yourself in an emergency in Spain, dialing 112 will connect you to all emergency services instantly. If you are stranded on a cliffside, stay exactly where you are. Attempting to move on a severe injury or in poor visibility drastically increases the risk of a secondary, more dangerous fall.

San Pedro del Pinatar’s patron saint festivities, in honour of Saint Peter the Apostle, came to a close recently with a massive traditional parade of floats, which was one of the most anticipated events on the festive programme. The parade brought together countless residents and visitors in the Costa Calida municipality for an afternoon full of colour, music, and lively fun.

Weeks of preparation pay off: San Pedro celebrates another shining summer

The spectacle was the result of weeks of work on the organisers’ part, and culminated in a huge celebration involving the locals and tourists of the town.

The procession began with the float “The Shameless Fig Tree,” featuring a mix of characters linked to classic paintings, followed by “Glamorous Stars,” adding colour to the parade with their adorable bee costumes. 

Beating the heat and sharing gifts in San Pedro del Pinatar

The Peña el Caldero group also helped the people of San Pedro del Pinatar to beat the heat, brandishing their water pistols and bringing an extra bit of joy to the occasion. Afterwards, local group I Love 90, distributed more than 13,000 gifts among the crowd, filling the atmosphere with happiness and laughter.

An appreciation of volunteers and a welcome boost for local tourism

Municipal officials expressed their gratitude to the dozens local associations, volunteers, and emergency services who made the event possible. The mayor, as well as local council members, noted that the massive turnout not only highlights the enduring strength of San Pedro’s cultural traditions, but also provides a significant economic boost to the town’s hospitality and tourism sectors at the start of the high summer season. Plans are reportedly already underway to make next year’s patron saint festivities even more spectacular.

All in all, the celebration was a confirmation of the neighbourly camaraderie, community spirit, and fun summer vibes in San Pedro del Pinatar, as the residents applaud another successful year.

Cartagena first responders showcased heroism and quick-thinking on Monday, July 6, as two hikers were rescued from a ravine in La Fausilla de Cartagena, showing signs of dehydration and fainting. 

Dramatic air rescue after hikers run out of water

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at roughly 3:24pm, when it was reported that two hikers needed help and were unable to continue their journey. The hikers, both men, had become trapped in a difficult-to-access ravine and were suffering an episode of extreme exhaustion and dehydration. They had run out of water during their hike, and decided to seek refuge in the shade as they awaited the arrival of rescue teams.

The ravine was full of abundant plants, hindering first responders’ access to their location. However, after verifying that the area was inaccessible by land, members of the Fire, Rescue and Civil Protection Service of the Cartagena City Council managed to reach the hikers, and a rescue helicopter was deployed to facilitate the operation.

The two hikers, aged 30 and 33, were evacuated via helicopter and were taken to the nearby Santa Lucía Hospital, where they were treated and assessed after their episode of extreme exhaustion and dehydration.

Emergency services issue summer safety warning

During periods of spiking temperatures, Murcia emergency responders remind hikers of the importance of avoiding midday exertion and communicating their planned routes to loved ones.

How to stay safe on the trails during intense heat

Additionally, to stay safe during intense summer heat, experts recommend carrying at least three litres of water per person and sipping it continuously rather than waiting until thirst sets in. Hikers should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-factor sunscreen to shield against the intense Mediterranean sun.

It is also important to plan routes that offer natural shade, pack high-energy snacks or electrolyte replacements to combat fatigue, and fully charge mobile phones before setting off. If anyone begins to experience dizziness, a rapid heart rate, or nausea, which are all key early warning signs of heat exhaustion, they should stop immediately, find shade, and call emergency services on 112 before the situation escalates. Acting quickly was one of the main reasons emergency services were able to reach the hikers in time.