Guardia Civil officer praised for rescuing British tourist

A female Guardia Civil officer has been praised for her bravery in rescuing a British tourist who attempted to take her own life in Costa Teguise two years ago.

The incident took place at Playa Cucharas at half past midnight on 24^th March 2023, during a storm warning, and the rescue took more than two hours due to poor visibility, waves of up to three metres in height and the fact that the tourist, described as a “a large woman who was drunk” did not want to be rescued.

Both women were finally picked up around 300 metres beyond the pier at Cucharas, with signs of exposure.

The agent was awarded the Order of Merit of the Guardia Civil, for “outstanding service to the public”, but on the advice of her lawyer petitioned the courts for a higher level of the medal. The court described her actions as “impeccable and admirable…going beyond, if possible, what was required.”