Bathers and beachgoers on Valdelagrana beach located in Puerto de Santa María, in the Cádiz province of Andalusia, were taken by surprise by a ‘mini-tsunami’ on Saturday, that engulfed a large section of the beach within seconds, drenching everything in its path (see videos in tweets below).
The sudden rise in the water level at the beach caused temporary havoc as the seawater dragged sunbeds, rubbish containers, and wooden walkways into the sea, including towels, umbrellas and many beach bags. A sunbed hire business was also flooded, as was the beach’s lifeguard post.
Many beachgoers at a bar made a quick dash into the sea to retrieve their belongings as the water took them away.
The phenomenon is known as a ‘sneaker wave’, when high tides during full moons can sometimes result in a large coastal wave.
Despite the wave’s wide expanse the water was only ankle high, and nobody was injured.
‘We reiterate, for the peace of mind of all our residents and visitors who are enjoying the summer holidays in our city, what happened [on Saturday] on Valdelagrana beach is only a high tide, with the full moon making it reach its highest level,’ Puerto de Santa María authorities wrote in response to the bizarre event.
Subidon de marea en Puerto de Santa María ,playa de Valdelagrana pic.twitter.com/sbirDcSPTz
— El observador (@Cristo45Cris) August 13, 2022
Los bañistas de la playa de Valdelagrana, en el Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, se vieron sorprendidos este sábado por un pequeño 'mini-tsunami pic.twitter.com/L254h7f9OA
— 💛💙jose( El Gaditano) 💚🤍 (@EspanaPericop) August 14, 2022
ALERTA: la fuerte subida de la marea en la playa de #Valdelagrana del Puerto de Santa María provoca escenas de pánico y preocupación entre los usuarios que corren para ponerse a resguardo ante la crecida del mar: este vídeo circula por todas las redes. @E112Andalucia pic.twitter.com/9myRWanh0x
— Pepe Contreras (@pepeconjerez) August 13, 2022
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