A man from the UK has passed away in Fuerteventura following a dramatic helicopter rescue from the sea.

Emergency responders were summoned to Playa de La Escalera in the La Oliva region of the Canary Island at approximately 5:30 pm on Thursday after receiving reports of two individuals struggling in the water near the shore.

Rescuers aboard a helicopter from the Canary Islands Emergency and Rescue Group (GES) located the man, who was later identified in a report by Canarian Weekly. Following his aerial retrieval, the man was found to be in cardiac arrest. CPR was initiated immediately during transit to a nearby landing spot.

Despite efforts by paramedics, a medical helicopter team, and personnel from a local health facility to revive him on the ground, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second swimmer managed to reach shore unassisted and received medical attention from paramedics at the beach. The individual declined hospitalization after being treated on-site, as reported by the Canary Islands Government’s 112 Emergency Service.

The rescue operation involved lifeguards from the La Oliva beach service, maritime rescue units, Civil Protection volunteers, local police, and firefighters. An investigation has been initiated by the Civil Guard, who are preparing an official report on the incident.

The Mirror has reached out to the Foreign Office for a statement.

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