Woman dies after cliff collapses onto beach in Biarritz as other diver still missing

A woman has died and another diver remains missing after a large section of cliff collapsed into the sea at the popular seaside resort of Biarritz, close to the lighthouse and Miramar Beach.

The dramatic rockfall happened at around 8.20pm on Wednesday June 24 as hundreds of people were enjoying the coastline during the ongoing heatwave.

According to the Pyrénées-Atlantiques Prefecture, approximately 2,000 square metres of cliff suddenly gave way, crashing into the sea at low tide when swimmers, paddleboarders and snorkellers were in the water.

Authorities said three local divers were at the base of the cliff when it collapsed. One escaped without physical injuries and was taken to hospital suffering from severe shock. Rescue teams later recovered the body of a woman, while the search continues for a second missing diver believed to be trapped beneath the fallen rock.

Witnesses heard a ‘loud crash’

People on the crowded beach described hearing what sounded like a loud explosion moments before the cliff gave way.

Witnesses said a huge section of rock plunged directly into the sea, sending debris into the water and triggering panic among beachgoers.

Emergency services immediately launched a large-scale rescue operation involving firefighters, maritime rescue teams, police officers and a gendarmerie helicopter.

Specialist diving units and search-and-rescue teams trained to work in hazardous environments continued searching the area for hours after the collapse in difficult conditions.

Area remains closed

The survivor is receiving both medical treatment and psychological support following the traumatic incident, officials confirmed.

The mayor of Biarritz and the sub-prefect of Bayonne travelled to the scene to coordinate the emergency response alongside rescue teams.

For safety reasons, the affected section of coastline has been sealed off while engineers assess the stability of the remaining cliff face. Authorities have warned there is a risk of further rockfalls and have urged the public to stay away and respect the security cordon.

Investigators are expected to examine what caused the collapse, although natural coastal erosion and the effects of recent hot weather are likely to form part of the investigation.