Almería, Spain – A wingfoil practitioner was rescued after being carried out to sea and drifting around 2.8 kilometres from the coastline near Cabo de Gata.

Strong wind conditions pushed the athlete offshore, leaving him unable to return to land on his own.

The alert was raised around 17:00 on April 10, prompting a maritime response from the Guardia Civil in the Almería area.

The patrol vessel Río Tiétar was deployed toward the waters off Cabo de Gata.

After a brief search, crews from the Maritime Service and the Straits Maritime Group located the wingfoiler in open water.

Officials said wind conditions at sea prevented the athlete from returning to shore.

He was brought safely aboard and transported to port in good condition, where his family took over care.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download