A diver has been killed and another is missing after a cliff collapse sent tonnes of rock crashing onto a beach in Biarritz, southwest France. The incident occurred at around 8.20pm on Monday during a record heatwave affecting France and western Europe.
The cliff, estimated at 2,000 cubic tonnes, fell into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving three divers at the foot with only seconds to react. One diver escaped unhurt, while the body of a woman was recovered hours later. A search continues for the missing diver.
Witness Quentin Alberola told France Info: 'There was a thunderous sound, like an explosion.' Vincent Pariset, a receptionist paddleboarding with his daughter, said the noise was 'deafening' and described a 'really impressive spray of water.'
The beach has been cordoned off and closed to the public while authorities assess the safety of the remaining cliffs. The collapse occurred near the Phare de Biarritz, an iconic lighthouse built in 1834.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques officials urged people to avoid the area, which is strictly off-limits until further notice.
