Woman in her 60s dies from ‘shock immersion syndrome’ in sea off Murcia

A woman in her 60s has died after suffering what appears to be shock immersion syndrome while swimming in the sea off Murcia.

Emergency services confirmed the woman had gone into cardiac arrest after entering the cold water at Las Delicias beach in Aguilas on Sunday afternoon.

Authorities believe it was likely triggered by shock immersion syndrome – a condition triggered by a sudden temperature shock that can cause the heart to stop almost instantly.

Bystanders pulled the woman from the water unconscious and immediately began CPR on the sand, while a Mobile Emergency Unit from the 061 health service rushed to the scene.

Despite their best resuscitation efforts, medics were unable to revive her and pronounced her dead at the scene.

The incident marks the second fatal drowning recorded in the Region of Murcia on Sunday alone.

Earlier that day, an 85-year-old man died while swimming off the coast of San Pedro del Pinatar.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims but have reminded beachgoers to take extreme caution, particularly when entering cold water during high-temperature days – a risk factor often underestimated but potentially lethal.