The coast of Xàbia experienced a dramatic day due to the violent storm that affected the Marina Alta region, with torrential rains and wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h. The intervention of Salvamento Marítimo (Maritime Rescue) and the Red Cross was crucial in saving more than a dozen people, including sailors and swimmers in distress.
The most serious incident occurred off Cala Blanca, where a rental boat sank. The crew, residents from the Valencian town of Corbera, fired an emergency flare that allowed the Salvamar Fénix rescue vessel to locate them and transfer them to the port of Xàbia. There, Red Cross paramedics attended to a 38-year-old woman and a three-year-old child, who lost all their belongings. Local Police and Civil Protection coordinated their return.
In parallel, at Cala Sardinera, six people had to abandon a boat that capsized due to the waves. They managed to reach the shore and were subsequently evacuated by sea by Salvamar Fénix and the Red Cross.
At El Arenal beach, strong sea currents endangered seven swimmers, including several children, who had to be rescued by Red Cross lifeguards. At La Grava beach, a 45-year-old swimmer managed to hold onto the buoys to avoid being dragged out to sea.
The storm, which dumped up to 20 liters per square meter in just a few minutes, also affected El Poble Nou de Benitatxell. At Moraig beach, rescue teams had to evacuate two individuals by helicopter who had gone out on a paddleboard and became trapped at sea with no possibility of returning to shore.
