Worker dies after falling from platform into sea at Huelva port

A worker has died after falling from a platform into the water at the Port of Huelva, triggering a major emergency response at the busy harbour in southern Spain.

The fatal workplace accident happened on Wednesday evening, August 12, at the Muelle de Levante, an area overlooking the Huelva estuary.

Emergency services were alerted shortly before 8pm, but despite the response, the man’s death was confirmed at the scene.

Emergency response launched at Huelva port

According to Andalucía’s 112 emergency coordination service, the alarm was raised at around 7.50pm after the Guardia Civil received information from Spain’s Maritime Rescue service that a body had been spotted in the water close to the quay.

A major response was quickly activated, with medical teams from the 061 emergency service sent to the port alongside officers from the National Police and Local Police.

The Port Authority was also notified and personnel attended the scene as emergency teams worked to establish what had happened.

However, the worker could not be saved and his death was confirmed.

Worker reportedly fell backwards

Initial information provided by the Port Police indicated that the man had been carrying out work on a platform when the accident happened.

He reportedly fell backwards from the structure and into the water. The platform was said to have been positioned approximately 100 metres from the edge of the quay.

Authorities have not yet released the worker’s identity or age, while further details about the job he was carrying out immediately before the fall have not been made public.

It also remains unclear what caused him to lose his balance or fall from the platform.

Workplace authorities notified

Following the fatal accident, Andalucía’s 112 service confirmed that the Occupational Risk Prevention Centre and the Labour Inspectorate had both been informed.

Their involvement will allow the circumstances surrounding the workplace death to be examined, including the events leading up to the fall.

The Muelle de Levante forms part of the Port of Huelva, a major industrial and commercial port complex on Spain’s south-western Atlantic coast.

The tragedy comes during the height of the summer season in Andalucía and prompted an extensive response from emergency and security services at the port on Wednesday evening.

No further information about the victim had been released by authorities as of Thursday morning, while the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal fall remain under investigation.