British Newlywed Drowns During Dream Colombian Holiday with Wife and Friends
James Winkles, a 30-year-old newlywed from the Isle of Wight, has tragically drowned while on a dream holiday in Colombia with his new wife and a group of friends. The heartbreaking incident occurred at El Laguito Beach in the Caribbean port city of Cartagena on March 22, with his body discovered washed up on the shoreline in the early morning hours.
Distressing Footage Captures Partner's Anguish
Harrowing footage shared online in the wake of the tragedy shows a woman believed to be his long-term partner crouching over his body, which was covered by a white sheet at the water's edge. The video captures her weeping uncontrollably, repeating "My baby, oh my baby" before shouting "No" in a moment of raw grief that has circulated on social media and local media outlets.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed it is providing support to his family during this devastating time. James had been in Cartagena for twelve days when the accident occurred, with the holiday intended as a celebratory trip following his recent marriage.
Rough Sea Conditions and Emergency Response
The alarm was raised around 7am local time (2am GMT) on March 22 in the popular tourist peninsula and residential neighbourhood of El Laguito. Despite immediate efforts by emergency responders who attempted to revive him at the scene, James was pronounced dead shortly after being pulled from the water.
Sea conditions at the time were described as particularly rough, with local reports indicating he got into difficulties while in the water. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is ongoing, although preliminary indications suggest it was accidental.
Second Drowning Incident at Same Location This Year
This tragedy marks the second drowning at El Laguito Beach in 2026. In February, 21-year-old chef Samuel Peñates Cortina was swept away by rough seas while with his partner near the Hilton Hotel. His body was discovered floating in the sea several days later after he disappeared "in a matter of seconds" during a cold front that brought large waves and gale-force winds to the Colombia Caribbean region.
Local officials have since issued repeated warnings to both residents and tourists, advising them to avoid entering the sea when conditions are choppy. The area is known for frequently experiencing dangerous sea states that can drastically alter safety conditions without warning.
Ongoing Investigation and Family Support
James's body has been transferred to a city forensic medicine institute where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Colombian media have published images of the deceased taken from social media accounts as part of their coverage of the incident.
James worked for a family-run car dealership in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. The FCDO spokesperson stated: "We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Colombia," confirming official involvement in assisting his loved ones during this difficult period.
The combination of rough sea conditions, previous similar incidents at the same location, and the heartbreaking personal tragedy of a newlywed losing his life during what should have been a celebratory holiday has drawn significant attention to tourist safety in coastal areas of Colombia.
