This is the moment beach goers began screaming in fear when a monster wave struck the coast of southern Spain on Wednesday.
At least eight people, including children, were injured after the powerful wave slammed into beachgoers in Mazagon, Huelva, apparently triggered by a massive cargo ship sailing dangerously close to shore.
The incident unfolded around 4.30pm near ‘El Vigia’, where terrified beachgoers were swept off their feet and dragged across rocks as the wave crashed in, carrying sediment and debris.
Commenters said they initially feared the phenomenon was the start of a tsunami due to the wave’s strength and the water’s muddy consistency.
Among the injured was a 28-year-old mother, who was rushed to hospital by emergency medics after suffering deep cuts. She has since been discharged.
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Five members of the same family were treated on the beach, while several children were left shaken and bloodied by the sudden surge.
Eyewitnesses said a large merchant vessel had passed unusually close to the coast moments before the wave hit.
Emergency services were bombarded with calls, with at least six alerts made to 112 Andalucia.
The Port of Huelva and Maritime Authority have opened an investigation into the vessel’s route and the circumstances that led to the near-disaster.
