Eight rescued after being trapped by rising tide at Cala dels Testos

A relaxing day on the water turned into a lengthy nighttime rescue after eight people, including several children, became stranded at Cala dels Testos in Benitatxell when the tide changed.

The group had been enjoying the popular coastal spot while taking part in kayaking and paddle surfing. However, as the tide came in, they found themselves unable to leave the isolated cove by sea.

An emergency call was made at around 8pm on Thursday, August 27, triggering a major operation involving local emergency services.

Difficult rescue in the dark

Protection Civil of Benitatxell, Benitatxell Local Police and firefighters from the Dénia fire station were involved in the rescue.

With the rising tide making a return by sea impossible, rescuers decided the safest option was to evacuate the group overland. That proved far from straightforward.

Cala dels Testos is surrounded by steep and rocky terrain, while rain had left the rocks particularly slippery. The operation was also taking place after dark, making the difficult route even more challenging.

The presence of several children meant rescuers had to take additional care as they guided the group away from the cove and up the rocky route.

The evacuation continued for several hours before all eight people were finally brought to safety at around 12.20am.

Thankfully, nobody was injured during the incident.

Warning for visitors to isolated coves

The rescue has highlighted the dangers that can arise when visiting some of the area’s more remote coastal locations, particularly when activities involve access by sea.

Protection Civil has urged people taking part in kayaking, paddle surfing and other water activities to check the weather forecast and sea conditions before setting out.

Checking tide times is also essential, particularly when visiting coves where access can change dramatically as the water level rises.

Visitors are also advised to wear closed footwear with good grip, carry a fully charged mobile phone inside a waterproof case and allow plenty of time to return before darkness falls.

The incident is another reminder that conditions along the Mediterranean coastline can change quickly. A route that appears straightforward when arriving at a secluded cove may become inaccessible just a few hours later as the tide rises.