A British newlywed has tragically lost his life in a drowning incident while on a dream holiday in Colombia with his wife and a group of friends. James Winkles, aged 30 and hailing from the Isle of Wight, was visiting the coastal resort city of Cartagena on Colombia's Caribbean coast to celebrate his recent marriage.
Discovery of the Body
His body was discovered washed up on El Laguito Beach in Cartagena yesterday morning, floating face down in the water around 7am. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene and confirmed the tourist had died. The body was subsequently taken to a nearby morgue for further examination to determine the precise circumstances leading up to the suspected drowning.
Details of the Holiday
James had been in Cartagena for 12 days, staying at a luxury hotel in the El Laguito area as part of his wedding celebrations with friends. According to local reports, he disappeared the previous night after allegedly entering the water during adverse weather and sea conditions. The investigation into his death is currently ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events.
Background and Previous Incident
James Winkles worked for a family-run car dealership in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Tragically, he is the second person to drown off the coast of El Laguito Beach this year. On 7 February, chef Samuel Peñates Cortina, aged 21, was swept away while swimming in the sea with his girlfriend. His body was found three days later on a beach on the nearby island of Tierra Bomba.
Safety Warnings from Authorities
In light of these incidents, Colombian authorities have issued stern warnings to swimmers. They advise people to exercise extreme caution when entering the water, particularly under specific conditions. Key recommendations include staying out of the sea if winds are strong and waves exceed 1.9 metres in height, waiting a period after eating before swimming, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. These precautions are crucial for preventing similar tragedies in the future.
The loss of James Winkles has sent shockwaves through his community and serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by unpredictable sea conditions, even in idyllic holiday destinations.
