Cruise Passenger Swept Away by Waves During Baiona Excursion

A tragic incident occurred Thursday in northwestern Spain when a cruise passenger was pulled into the sea by powerful waves during a shore excursion. The woman had separated from her tour group to take photographs near the water’s edge when a wave struck her and carried her into the ocean. Although emergency responders acted quickly, she was later found deceased.

The accident happened in the coastal town of Baiona, near Vigo, where the cruise ship AIDAmar had docked earlier that morning. Spanish outlets reported that the victim was an 85 year old German traveler participating in a shore tour with about 50 passengers who had traveled by bus from Vigo.

Witnesses said the woman was alone at Concheira Beach, taking pictures on rocks close to the surf, when the wave hit around 2:30 p.m. A local resident saw her lose balance as she bent down and then disappear into the water. Emergency services were alerted immediately.

A large scale response followed, involving Maritime Rescue, the Galician Coast Guard, the Civil Guard, local police, underwater search teams and a rescue helicopter. Despite an intensive search by sea and air, the woman’s body was later discovered nearby, washed ashore by the strong surf. Medical personnel were unable to resuscitate her.

Members of the excursion group reportedly did not realize she was missing until they were already boarding the bus to return to the ship. By that time, rescue teams were already searching the coastline.

The incident occurred during a period of hazardous marine conditions along the Galician coast. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency had issued an orange alert for the area due to strong south to southwest winds of 50 to 74 kilometers per hour (force 7–8) and waves reaching 6 to 7 meters. Authorities believe the severe sea conditions may have been underestimated, contributing to the tragic outcome.