Two security guards rescued a British tourist after he fell into the water at Puerto Banus marina in Marbella while reportedly trying to vomit over the harbour edge following a night out in popular bar News Cafe.

Chaotic scenes broke out when people near the waterfront suddenly heard shouting coming from the marina. Witnesses could be heard screaming “Someone’s in the water!” after spotting the man floating between luxury boats in the harbour late at night.

Guards rushed into the harbour

Video shared on social media showed  bystanders gathering near the edge as the tourist struggled to stay afloat. Witnesses said the man appeared semi-conscious and was drifting dangerously close to moored boats.

Iliad Alejandro, one of the rescuers, said confusion spread quickly when people realised somebody had fallen into the water. According to reports, Alejandro removed his shoes, climbed onto a nearby boat and reached down to grab the tourist by the leg while another worker from a nearby bar helped pull him upwards from the dockside.

Shouts and instructions echoed around the marina as the pair fought to drag the tourist out of the harbour. One witness heard in the footage said: “He would have died if nobody had heard him.”

Another person watching the rescue described the tourist as “a very lucky man” after he was finally lifted onto the decking soaked and exhausted.

Witnesses warn about alcohol near the marina

Accounts from people at the scene said the tourist lost his balance while leaning over the edge to vomit into the harbour after drinking during a night out in Puerto Banus.

Alejandro later warned visitors about the dangers of mixing alcohol with the marina waterfront.

“Alcohol and the sea are a bad combination,” he reportedly said after the rescue.

Puerto Banus attracts huge crowds each year for its nightlife, bars and marina restaurants, though previous incidents near the harbour have also raised concerns about late-night safety around the waterfront in Marbella.

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A growing backlash has erupted in Puerto de la Duquesa after claims that bars and restaurants could face strict limits on live music performances during the summer months. 

An online petition titled “Save Summer Entertainment in Manilva” has begun attracting support from residents, tourists, musicians and hospitality businesses concerned about proposed entertainment restrictions in the marina area.

The petition claims venues may be limited to just 12 live music events between June 1 and September 30, subject to licence approval. At the time of writing, Manilva Town Hall has not publicly confirmed a blanket rule applying to all venues.

The campaign warns the measures could have a “devastating impact” on local businesses, jobs, entertainers, tourism and “the atmosphere that makes Duquesa special.”

According to the petition organisers, Puerto de la Duquesa’s live music scene is a key part of the marina’s identity during the busy summer months.

The petition states: “Visitors come to Duquesa because of its vibrant, friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Live music is part of what keeps the port alive during the summer months.”

Residents divide over nightlife noise in Duquesa

The issue has created debate across local social media groups over recent days, with opinions sharply divided between residents calling for stronger noise controls and others defending the marina’s nightlife atmosphere.

One widely shared community post questioned whether the current administration was reintroducing restrictions similar to those imposed during previous years in office.

The post stated: “Tourists, locals and the artists giving their time to make these things special [are] all affected.”

Others supported tighter regulation, pointing to long-running complaints linked to amplified music, shouting and late-night disturbance in apartments surrounding the marina.

Manilva reviewing licences and opening hours ahead of summer

Manilva Town Hall recently confirmed that opening hours, licences and security measures in Puerto de la Duquesa are currently under review ahead of the 2026 summer season.

Local Police patrols have also been increased during evening and overnight hours following meetings between authorities, businesses and residents concerning activity levels in the port area.

Supporters of live music insist they are not opposed to reasonable noise controls but want a compromise that balances residents’ quality of life with the needs of tourism and hospitality businesses.

At present there is still uncertainty over exactly what restrictions may be introduced this summer. You can see the details of the “Save Summer Entertainment in Manilva” on the change website.