Missing paddleboarder found safe after dramatic overnight search off Dénia coast

A major search operation along the Costa Blanca coastline has ended with a happy outcome after a woman who disappeared while paddleboarding off Dénia was found safe several hours later in neighbouring Oliva.

The 56-year-old French tourist sparked alarm after failing to return to shore on Friday July 31 evening. As concern grew, emergency services launched an extensive rescue operation before darkness made conditions even more challenging.

Large-scale rescue effort launched

The search involved Guardia Civil public safety patrols, the force’s Maritime Service vessel and a rescue helicopter, all working together to comb the coastline and surrounding waters.

Officials were racing against time as sea currents along this stretch of the Mediterranean are capable of carrying paddleboards several kilometres in a relatively short period. Rescue teams searched both the sea and nearby shoreline in an effort to locate the missing woman before nightfall.

Found exhausted but in good condition

The breakthrough came at around 10.40pm when officers from the Guardia Civil station in Oliva located the tourist in the Oliva Nova area, around 15 kilometres north of Dénia.

Despite spending hours adrift, she was conscious when she was found. Although extremely tired after the ordeal, she was reported to be in generally good health.

Officers immediately provided first aid, giving her water and warm clothing to help her recover from the effects of prolonged exposure before notifying her relieved family that she had been found safe.

Reminder of the risks at sea

The incident serves as a reminder that paddleboarding can quickly become dangerous when wind, currents or changing sea conditions carry people further offshore than expected.

Even experienced paddleboarders are advised to check weather forecasts before heading out, wear a buoyancy aid, carry a means of calling for help and avoid venturing too far from the coast, particularly when conditions are uncertain.

Thanks to the rapid coordination between the Guardia Civil’s land, sea and air units, what could have become a tragedy instead ended with a successful rescue and a relieved family after an anxious night on the Costa Blanca.