Tragic Drowning Claims Life of British Newlywed on Colombian Honeymoon
A 30-year-old British man, James Winkles from the Isle of Wight, has tragically drowned while on his dream honeymoon holiday in Cartagena, Colombia. The incident occurred at El Laguito Beach, a popular coastal resort on Colombia's Caribbean coast, where he was celebrating his recent wedding with his wife and a group of friends.
Details of the Fatal Incident
James Winkles had been staying at a luxury hotel in the El Laguito area for 12 days as part of his honeymoon celebrations. According to local media reports, he went missing on Saturday night after allegedly entering the water during adverse weather and sea conditions. His body was discovered washed up on El Laguito Beach on Sunday morning.
Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene and confirmed his death. The body was subsequently transported to a nearby morgue where authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances leading to his suspected drowning. The investigation into this tragic death remains ongoing.
Second Drowning Incident This Year
This marks the second drowning fatality at El Laguito Beach in 2026. On February 7, 21-year-old chef Samuel Peñates Cortina was swept away while swimming with his girlfriend. His body was recovered three days later on Tierra Bomba island, highlighting the persistent dangers at this location.
James Winkles worked for a family-run car dealership in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. His death has prompted renewed safety warnings from Colombian authorities who urge swimmers to exercise extreme caution.
Official Safety Warnings Issued
Local authorities have issued specific guidelines for beach safety:
- Avoid entering the sea when winds are strong and waves exceed 1.9 meters in height
- Wait a significant period after eating before swimming
- Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption before entering the water
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed they are providing support to the family, stating: "We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Colombia."
Recent Similar Tragedies
This incident follows a similar tragedy last August when a 31-year-old British man drowned during a late evening swim in Benidorm, Spain. He had jumped into the water at Levante Beach with at least two friends who returned unharmed. Bystanders and coastguard attempts to rescue him proved unsuccessful.
These consecutive incidents underscore the importance of heeding local safety warnings and understanding water conditions while traveling abroad, particularly during celebratory occasions when judgment might be impaired.
