Photograph Album of David William Holdsworth, 1999

1999		top of page
Sailing on Sigma 38 off France James Holdsworth 1999	Sailing on Sigma 38 off France Charles Holdsworth 1999	Christmas at Heath Villas Johanna, Michael, James, Janice, Charles, David, Holly, Howard Halifax, 25 Dec 1999
Cala en Porter, Menorca 22 - 29 October 1999		top of page
All ready for her Holly-day! Holly Holdsworth At the Airport, October 1999	Strong wind and large rollers sweeping into the cove as we take our first walk down to the beach. Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The waves pound the rocks and send spray up to be carried by the wind to the beach Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999
And looking to our right we see the waves breaking before the shelving beach. Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	One more picture then let's walk down, OK! Holly Holdsworth Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999
A Tragedy Unfolds on the Beach After we had settled down at the beach, a teenage English boy came up to me and asked for my help. He said his dad had gone swimming and he was unable to find him. Soon other holidaymakers were coming to see what was going on. I took one look at the rollers coming in, and thought this is going to be tricky; I will need rope, flotation ring and a good number of adults on the end of the rope. I asked the lad to gather up assistance while I went to find rope and a lifebelt. I ran up the beach, and it took an age to find the equipment, which was stored in the loft of the bar. The locals were not in the least bit helpful. I returned with the equipment I needed and stripped down to my trunks and selected 6 individuals to hold the end of the rope, and told thenm that when I raise my hand, that means pull me in. I swam out with the belt, and discovered just how strong the undertow was; it took me away from the beach in no time at all. I swam around for about 10 minutes, and as soon as I realised that I was running out of energy fighting the waves, I signalled the helpers to pull me in, which after a few worrying moments they did. Sadly I was unable to find the boy's father, as the sea had taken him. His wife and children were left crying on the beach. After about an hour the search-and-rescue helicopter arrived. It flew around for about 15 minutes and then went away. The following 2 days the beach was closed while divers searched for his body, which they eventually found.
The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999
The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999
The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter being watched intensely by James Holdsworth Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter and even at this stage there are children playing in the dangerous seas with strong undertows. Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999
The Search and Rescue Helicopter Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter and on the left, clearly visible, the red flag flying which signals . . . do not enter the water Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	The Search and Rescue Helicopter and on the left, clearly visible, the red flag flying which signals . . . do not enter the water Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999
James and Charles at the swimming pool Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	James and Charles at the swimming pool Cala en Porter, Menorca, October 1999	Holly Holdsworth 'Can the last one off the island turn the lights out' Mahon Airport, Menorca, October 1999