BIARRITZ, France — On Wednesday evening, a dramatic cliff collapse near the iconic lighthouse in Biarritz, a popular seaside town on France’s southwestern Atlantic coast, resulted in the death of one diver, with another still unaccounted for, according to local officials.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. while three divers were positioned at the cliff’s base, as detailed in a statement released by Biarritz City Hall.
One of the divers managed to emerge without injury, and was promptly attended to by emergency responders.
Specialized rescue teams, including expert divers, are actively conducting a search operation for the two missing individuals.
The recovery teams have unfortunately located the body of one female diver.
Searches for the other diver resumed on Thursday.
Officials have banned public access, swimming and boating within 300 meters (985 feet) of the cliff because of the risk of further collapse.
Biarritz is a tourist destination known for its rugged cliffs, beaches and status as one of Europe’s premier surfing spots.