British grandmother dies in rescue attempt after granddaughter’s inflatable boat overturns

A British grandmother has died trying to save her 10-year-old granddaughter after the child got into difficulty in the sea at a popular Menorca beach. The woman’s husband also entered the water during the desperate rescue attempt and suffered injuries, while the girl and her mother received medical attention after the ordeal.

The tragedy happened at Cavalleria beach, on the north coast of Menorca, shortly before 01:00pm on Wednesday, October 28. The family had been enjoying a holiday on the Balearic island and were due to return home the following day. 

Inflatable boat capsizes in the sea

According to local reports, the 10-year-old girl had gone out into the water in an inflatable boat but was unable to make her way back to shore. The boat overturned, and the current carried her towards a rocky section of the coastline. Her grandparents entered the water to try to reach her. The girl’s mother also joined the rescue attempt as the situation unfolded.

The grandfather suffered cuts after coming into contact with rocks during the incident. He eventually managed to bring his wife’s body back to the shore, but she could not be saved. Other beachgoers also tried to help. According to Menorca.info, some used the rope marking the boundary of the dunes to help those involved in the rescue get closer to land. The child survived, but she and her mother were left suffering from severe anxiety following the incident. Both received medical attention at the scene. 

Emergency crews rushed to Cavalleria

The emergency call was made at around 12.30pm, prompting a response from the Guardia Civil, Es Mercadal Local Police, firefighters from Ciutadella and medical teams from the 061 emergency service. The firefighters approached the beach by land, while a Red Cross boat based in Fornells also took part in the response.

According to Menorca al Dia, the advanced life-support ambulance could not reach the point where the woman’s body was located, meaning medical staff had to walk across the beach to get there. By the time they reached her, she had already died. The Guardia Civil has taken charge of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning. 

No lifeguards on duty at the beach

One detail highlighted in local coverage is that Cavalleria beach no longer had a lifeguard service when the incident happened. The seasonal surveillance and rescue service had ended on October 15, almost two weeks before the drowning. Cavalleria is known for its natural setting and clear water, attracting visitors to the northern coast of Menorca. However, conditions at sea can change, and inflatable boats can be difficult to control when currents or waves push them away from the shore.

Visitors should check local conditions before entering the water, pay attention to currents and waves, and avoid going further out than they can safely manage. Anyone using an inflatable boat should also be aware that it may not remain close to the shore, even when the sea appears manageable. For the family, what began as a holiday in Menorca ended in tragedy just one day before they were due to leave the island. The grandmother’s death is now being investigated by the Guardia Civil.