Pictured: British man, 35, who drowned ‘while taking photos underwater’ in Ibiza as family launch fundraiser to get his body home
- British man, 35, thought to have been practising underwater photography with a friend in Punta Galera, a cove on Ibiza, on Wednesday evening
- Friend called police around 6.15pm after the Briton got into trouble in the water
- Officers and medics pulled him from the ocean but were unable to save his life
A British man has died after being pulled unconscious from the ocean in Ibiza.
Kevin Smith, 35, is thought to have been practising underwater photography with a friend in Punta Galera, a cove near the popular resort of San Antonio, on Wednesday evening when he got into difficulty.
His friend raised the alarm around 6.15pm before police and paramedics pulled the man from the water, but were unable to save his life.
His family have launched a fundraiser to help bring his body back to the UK.
Kevin Smith, 35, (pictured) is thought to have been practising underwater photography with a friend in Punta Galera, a cove near the popular resort of San Antonio, on Wednesday evening when he got into difficulty
A 35-year-old British man was pulled unconscious from the ocean at Punta Galera, a cove in Ibiza, around 6.15pm on Wednesday after practising underwater photography
The cove where Mr Smith was found has rock platforms popular for cliff jumping and sunset viewing as well as snorkelling.
The Essex-born expat is believed to have been taking underwater pictures when he got into difficulties.
Ibiza-based friend Nick Barlow described the dedicated sportsman, thought to have worked as a personal trainer, as an ‘action man’ in a Facebook tribute after learning of his death.
Morgan Brazier, who launched a Gofundme appeal earlier today which surpassed its £20,000 goal in just five hours, said: ‘I think I speak for us all when I say that we are heartbroken to of heard the news that our good friend Kevin sadly lost his life in a tragic snorkelling accident yesterday.
‘Kevin has had so many mental and physical battles whilst always on the search to live his dream life.
The Essex-born expat, pictured above, is believed to have been taking underwater pictures when he got into difficulties
‘After nearly two years of moving to Ibiza, grinding through each lockdown, he finally was able to live his dream and enjoy his hiking, snorkelling, chasing the sunsets and discovering new locations.
‘He was so open and friendly with a very strong moral compass. He was an inspiration and loved by so many.
‘With the travel restrictions that are in place, there are complications with his family going to get him and bringing him home.
‘This is why we have set up this go fund me so we can help his family bring him home as soon as physically possible, privately if we are able to.’
One well-wisher donated a staggering £1,500 and three others made four-figure donations.
Scott Neilson said: ‘Love you Kev. You will be truly missed by so many people. Words can’t even describe the feelings at the moment. Your never be forgotten mate and your get 1 hell of a send off! Love ya mate.’
Ibiza-based friend Nick Barlow described the dedicated sportsman, thought to have worked as a personal trainer, as an ‘action man’ in a Facebook tribute after learning of his death. Mr Smith is pictured above
Tom Stevens added: ‘No words to describe the happiest & funniest people I knew. Not to mention one of my best friends. I love you mate thinking of you always.’
Travel reviews describe Punta Galera as an old stone quarry next to the sea which is away from tourist crowds but popular with nudists.
One adds: ‘It is little visited, among other things because there is neither a bar nor sand.
‘However, it is easy to jump into the water as the depth is more than two metres, apart from a few places where you can get out over shallower submerged rocks.’
The quiet spot is reached by taking the road from San Antonio to Santa Agnes and turning off towards the sea before the beautiful bay called Cala Salada,