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Date Published: 09/09/2024

Second body found after Brit couple goes missing in Spain storm

A man’s body has been found, nearly a week after a woman was confirmed dead

A second body has been found by authorities in Mallorca during the search for two British hikers who went missing last week after being swept away by flash floods.

Spain’s Guardia Civil police confirmed that the body, believed to be that of a British man, was recovered on Friday in the Torrente de Pareis canyon area, located in the rugged Tramuntana mountain range.

The tragic discovery comes just days after the body of a British woman was found, bringing a heartbreaking end to the search for the missing pair.

The couple, who had been hiking along a popular but challenging trail from the canyon to the Mediterranean Sea, disappeared after a severe storm hit the island on Tuesday.

Heavy rain and strong winds caused flash flooding in the area, making conditions perilous for anyone caught outdoors.

The Guardia Civil, along with local emergency services, launched an extensive search of the canyon after receiving reports that two people had been swept away by the floodwaters.

For days, the search focused on the Torrente de Pareis, a dramatic gorge known for its sheer cliffs and difficult terrain, which is prone to flooding from autumn through spring.

The area, a popular spot for hikers, is often described as a natural marvel, but the heavy rainfall caused by the storm turned it into a dangerous trap for those caught unprepared.

The British man and woman were among a group of hikers who had set out before the storm struck. While most of the group managed to escape unharmed, authorities said 10 other tourists were rescued from the area after being “surprised by the storm”. These hikers later informed rescuers about the two missing individuals, sparking the search effort.

The storm that hit Mallorca earlier in the week prompted local authorities to issue warnings of “very intense” weather, advising people to avoid outdoor activities.

Despite the warning, the hikers had already been on the trail when the sudden flash floods occurred. The island’s mountain rescue brigade, along with other emergency teams, worked tirelessly to comb through the canyon, facing challenging conditions as the storm continued to batter the region.

The Torrente de Pareis, though renowned for its beauty, is a treacherous place to hike under adverse conditions. The steep cliffs that line the gorge make it difficult to escape, and the trail itself is often flooded, even during calmer months.

Local tourism websites caution visitors about the dangers of the route, particularly during periods of heavy rain. Despite these warnings, the area remains a draw for adventurous hikers seeking to explore its rugged landscapes and hidden beach.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released a statement expressing their condolences and confirming they are providing support to the victims’ families.

“We are supporting the families of a British man and woman following their deaths in Majorca and are in contact with local authorities,” said a spokesperson for the FCDO.

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