A massive portion of coastline near the famous lighthouse in Biarritz — a resort town along France’s southwestern Atlantic coast — gave way Wednesday evening, claiming the life of one diver and leaving a second unaccounted for, according to local authorities.
The cliff gave way at approximately 8:20 p.m. local time, with three divers positioned at the base when it happened, Biarritz City Hall confirmed in an official statement. One of the three managed to escape without injury and was treated by emergency responders on scene.
Search and rescue teams, including specially trained divers, were immediately deployed to look for the remaining two individuals. The body of one female diver was recovered during the operation. Efforts to locate the second missing diver picked back up on Thursday.
In response to the danger of additional collapses, officials have closed off a 300-meter (985-foot) zone around the cliff to the public, prohibiting access to the area on foot, in the water, or by boat.
Biarritz is a well-known European tourist hotspot, celebrated for its dramatic cliff scenery, sandy beaches, and reputation as one of the top surfing destinations on the continent.
