A man has avoided death after falling into the water at Benalmadena marina and ‘going into shock’.

The individual came into trouble after falling into the sea while attempting to board a boat during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

According to sources at the marina, workers spotted two people preparing to board a boat and became concerned that they may not have been fully capable of doing so safely.

As a precaution, the staff remained nearby in case assistance was needed.

Moments later, one of the men misjudged his step while trying to climb aboard and plunged into the water before reaching the vessel.

The rescue quickly became more complicated than expected.

Sources said the man was unable to locate an emergency ladder or pull himself out of the water.

‘The cold and the shock prevented him from reacting properly, leaving him trapped,’ they explained.

Marina workers, assisted by security staff, launched a rescue operation and eventually managed to bring the man safely back onto the pontoon.

Once out of the water, he was helped aboard the boat and did not require CPR or further medical treatment.

Officials believe the fact that marina staff witnessed the fall was crucial in preventing a potentially fatal outcome.

‘If nobody had seen him fall…’ one source said, highlighting the dangers of entering cold water alone at night.

Following the incident, Benalmadena Marina issued a public warning reminding boat owners and visitors to take extra care when boarding vessels after dark.

‘A misstep or poor visibility can cause an accident in seconds,’ the marina said in a Facebook post.

It also urged people not to attempt to board boats if their physical abilities or reactions are impaired, and encouraged anyone needing assistance to contact marina or security staff.

The marina further warned that cold water can quickly sap a person’s strength and ability to think clearly.

‘In darkness, a situation like this can end in tragedy,’ the statement added.