Incredible moment missing Brit castaway Mary Gavin waves desperately at passing ship sparking rescue after 5 days at sea
Footage shows Ms Gavin in a life jacket shouting for help after she
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Footage shows Ms Gavin in a life jacket calling for help
Credit: Solarpix
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She was travelling in a Quicksilver 475 Axess boat when she lost her way in the middle of the sea
Credit: Solarpix
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She was rescued after passengers on a ferry spotted her in the middle of the sea
Credit: Solarpix
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British woman Mary Gavin was rescued over the weekend
Credit: Solarpix
She was rescued alive on Saturday after passengers on a passing ferry headed to
The 39-year-old Brit was then rushed to a hospital to receive medical treatment.
Emergency rescuers revealed Ms Gavin rented a Quicksilver 475 Axess boat in Formentera before she lost her way in the middle of the sea last week.
Alejandro Rosera, one of the passengers on the ferry that rescued her, said that she was dehydrated and had severe sunburn.
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Ms Rosera added: "When we were about to pass by Formentera, we were told there was an emergency and we had to turn back.
'Later on, we saw a woman on board a small boat. 'She had a life jacket on and another in her hand, making gestures.
"She was dehydrated and sunburnt and had mouth sores.
'Once we got to Valencia, a large number of
police
and
health
professionals were waiting for her and assisted her immediately.'
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Most read in The Sun
Police and coastguards started hunting for Ms Gavin last Wednesday - some 36 hours after she vanished after
renting
the boat from Formentera.
Expert divers were tasked by the Spanish coastguards to scour the depths of the ocean to search for the missing Brit
The Spanish Civil Guard also mobilised helicopters and boats in a bid to find clues about her.
Cops revealed that friends of the Brit woman first raised the alarm after she failed to return from her boating trip.
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'From the time she was reported missing on Wednesday evening, a search operation was launched, and it continued throughout the day," they added.
After rescuing her, a Civil Guard spokesman said: 'The British woman who vanished after renting a boat in Formentera on Tuesday morning has been found alive.
A police source said last week the missing woman had been living on one of the Balearic islands for around two months.
Although it was not immediately clear whether the island is Ibiza or Formentera.
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No more details have been given out by local authorities about what they think went wrong and why the woman ended up adrift in the middle of the sea.
Last year,
The dehydrated men were found by Spanish authorities some 60 miles off the coast of Tenerife.
They made a Mayday call to alert local ships after being stranded in the sea for days.
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A Panamanian-flagged ship along with a Spanish Civil Guard vessel is said to have responded by heading to the area they were in.
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This is the boat the British woman was travelling in before getting lost
Credit: Solarpix
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The woman vanished after hiring a boat in Formentera
Credit: Alamy
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The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The £5 street pills wreaking havoc in seaside town voted happiest place to live as pubs replaced by bedsits for addicts
One problem area has a crime rate that's three times the national average 'JEKYLL & HYDE' The £5 street pills wreaking havoc in seaside town voted happiest place to live as pubs replaced by bedsits for addicts WITH its long sandy beach and iconic historic 'Spanish City' complex offering up first class dining and a champagne bar, it doesn't seem absurd that this north east town was dubbed one of the UK's happiest places to live. But baffled locals have branded the accolade "a load of rubbish", claiming the 'Jekyll and Hyde' seaside resort is overrun with drug addicts and alcoholics. 17 Residents have complained that the north east town is being engulfed by anti-social behaviour Credit: NNP 17 A man is seen clutching cans of lager in the morning on the streets of Whitley Bay, where locals say drunks are a problem Credit: NNP 17 Victoria says the town has a lot of potential if investment was spread more evenly across it Credit: NNP 17 Locals claim pregabalin is being used by addicts across the town, sold illegally for £5 a hit Credit: Alamy Whitley Bay, in North Tyneside, was ranked third out of 70 areas in 2024 in an online survey which cited its impressive coastline and independent shops and bars. But locals say there is a stark divide between its hipster high street lined with boutiques and fancy restaurants, and scruffy rundown terraces full of bedsits. Residents who live in the east of the town - also named best place to live in the North of England in 2023 by The Sunday Times - told The Sun they're sick of being woken up by drunks in the middle of the night. They also claim the streets have been flooded with pregabalin - a highly addictive prescription-only medication which can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, being flogged illegally for £5 a pill - earning the town the nickname 'Pregab City'. While the famous Spanish City Plaza complex, immortalised in the Dire Straits song Tunnel of Love, underwent an impressive renovation in 2018 and is now home to a fine dining restaurant and champagne bar, other areas of the town are struggling. Residents believe many are unable to afford the expensive offerings at the iconic domed building, which housed a down-to-earth funfair, amusement arcade and bingo hall up until the 2000s. Now a cod and chips at the venue will set you back £13.95. South Parade, which leads from the town down to the seafront, used to be lined with bars and nightclubs and was a hive of activity on bank holidays and weekends. But now the street is a shadow of its former self and has just one club - the rundown-looking Havana. Other nightlife hotspots have been replaced by halfway houses, bedsits and B&Bs, many of which are reportedly occupied by alcoholics and drug addicts. We live in UK's 'worst' seaside town – tourists say it's rundown and crime is a problem but here's why locals love it Meanwhile the crime rate in the immediate area is three times as high as the national average. Victoria Knibbs lives in a flat in the area with her boyfriend and dog Sunny. The 29-year-old team manager said: "Whitley Bay has the potential to be a lovely place. There are really nice cafes and bars on one side of the town, but it's still very run-down on the other. "We look out onto our street and there is always shouting. People shout up and down from the windows and there's a constant police presence at one of the B&Bs. We've been woken up at 4am with people shouting drunk in the street and on stuff Victoria Knibbs "Every weekend there are police or ambulances down there. Every day you'll have people on the street corners rolling around. "I was walking to the Metro station the other day and there was a guy trying to pick up his friend off the floor. "They had both fallen over and were moving at the slowest pace. It doesn't bother me, but you will see this as soon as you leave the house. "We've been woken up at 4am with people shouting drunk in the street and on stuff." 'Jekyll and Hyde' town 17 The Spanish City complex saw huge investment in 2018, including the addition of a fine dining restaurant and champagne bar Credit: NNP 17 Locals say some areas have seen limited investment compared to others Credit: NNP Just around the corner from Victoria, one couple are seen hurrying down a back alley, as the man downs a can of lager before 11am. The woman with him is still in her pyjamas as they wander out of sight. Victoria, who says the town is divided in two, added: "Whitley Bay was voted as this lovely place to live, but if people want to visit there's no good hotels to stay at. "There are nice spots, but that's the seafront, it isn't Whitley Bay itself. "I love my flat and the landlord is fine, but the pubs around here bring in a certain clientele. "The places in this town are either run-down and cheap, or they charge you £20 for a glass of water. It's split into two halves." They've spent millions on the sea front and the Spanish City but the investment should have been spread Anonymous resident Victoria claimed there is "no reason" for her to go to Spanish City as there's "nothing for families with kids and dogs". "It was built to make it look, how amazing is this place, but you go and there's not much there. In my whole life I've probably been inside three or four times," she said. "Since we've been living here there have been lots of places we wanted to try but they end up closing down. "I would love to shop independent and go local, but there's not the investment." High accolades 17 The Spanish City was immortalised in a Dire Straits song Credit: NNP 17 The town's seaside location was given as a reason for it being a great place to live Credit: NNP Army veteran Dave Kelly is originally from Northampton but has lived in Whitley Bay for over 20 years. The 52-year-old is fed up of what he sees on a daily basis, telling The Sun: "You see homeless people and alcoholics all of the time. "It's mainly young adults who are off their faces on Pregabalin. Whitley Bay is known to be 'Pregab City'. "The town looks great on paper, especially with all of the investment that got put into the seaside. "It sounds great when you talk about lovely beaches etc., but it's only that part. There is nothing spoken about regarding the town centre. You see homeless people and alcoholics all of the time. It's mainly young adults who are off their faces on Pregabalin. Whitley Bay is known to be 'Pregab City' Dave Kelly "I live opposite Spanish City and you get travellers coming down there. Just the other week the travellers cut the gates off a park but they just got moved on. "You get lots of p***heads in the centre, too. The other day we got a group who came along and took the leftover tobacco from ashtrays on the outside tables of pubs and were making roll-ups in front of everyone." In the 2024 survey from FurnitureBox of the happiest places to live in the UK, only Stratford-upon-Avon and Harrogate were ranked higher than Whitley Bay. The town was also named Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast in the 2023 Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. The paper described the town's high street, Park View, as "one of the best independent shopping streets in the country, with its artisan bakery, brunch spots and microbrewery, as well as more traditional outlets such as the shoe-repairer and the butcher." What is Pregabalin? Pregabalin is a prescription-only medicine which has flooded the black market, selling for up to £5 a pill. The white or orange tablets induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, but can be highly addictive and even deadly when consumed alongside other drugs, such as opioids. Dan Brocksopp works as a young persons team leader at PROPS, a recovery service which aims to improve the lives of families affected by alcohol and drug use in Newcastle and North Tyneside. He said: "Substance misuse, alcohol and drugs, is becoming an ever- increasing problem. With pregabalin, people who are using it should only be getting it through their GP or hospitals. "It's finding its way into the wrong hands, and then it's getting distributed through the local communities. "Not a lot of people know the risks associated with pregabs as they've bought it off the street. When a drug is prescribed, the doctor takes into account the patient's age and size and tolerance. "That obviously doesn't happen when it's taken illegally. "We are concerned that pregabs are becoming an ever-growing issue alongside other drugs including alcohol. "Pregabs are being intercepted as they travel through hospitals and GP surgeries. People are getting them prescribed and then selling them on to make a little bit of money. "They are mainly used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and nerve pain. If someone is presenting themselves to a GP with those conditions, they can be prescribed them. "With any drug there is a street value. People can make money from them. With epilepsy you'd have to be diagnosed, there would have to be proof of that. "But high levels of anxiety are hard to prove, so people are presenting with these issues, and realising they can get pregabs. They then distribute them and sell them. "Like any drug it Pregabs can suppress thoughts and feelings and reduce anxiety. It can also suppress physical pain, and that's what it is prescribed for in terms of nerve damage." Dan added: "Mixed with other drugs, pregabs become highly dangerous. "In terms of anti-social behaviour, what we do find is that people tend to act erratically when they are taking illicit substances. "When the effects of the drug wear off, it can increase insomnia, pain and anxiety. You might be in discomfort which could cause you to make decisions you otherwise wouldn't when out in the community. "Because pregabs are prescription-only drugs you can sell them for up to £5 tablet, and a lot more inside prisons. "But also vulnerable people who are actually prescribed pregabs for a genuine medical problem are exploited and the drugs are taken from these people to sell." 'Misspent millions' 17 Residents feel that even things like the state of the roads is ignored Credit: NNP 17 Locals claim drugs and alcohol are causing havoc for the town Credit: NNP One man, who wanted to remain anonymous, added: "Being named as one of the best places to live is a load of rubbish. It's definitely going downhill. "This place is all second-hand shops and all of the banks are closing down. "You see loads of homeless people unfortunately. "Even little things like the roads. If you look at them you will see lots of potholes. Being named as one of the best places to live is a load of rubbish. It's definitely going downhill Anonymous resident "They've spent millions on the seafront and the Spanish City, but the investment should have been spread. "That investment hasn't exactly brought lots of jobs here, only for council workers and contractors from down south. "If you look at South Shields, you can cycle from there to Newcastle on the new cycle paths they put in. "But you couldn't do that on this side of the river, and we're closer to the city than South Shields." Rising crime rates 17 Whitley Bay's North Parade area battles high crime rates Credit: NNP 17 The high street is struggling with many shops and hotels closed and boarded up Credit: NNP According to Street Check data, the crime rate in and around North Parade is classed as high, with 288 reported crimes per 1,000 people. The national average is 88. In Whitley Bay as a whole the figure is much lower, at 89 crimes per 1,000 people. Leslie, 70, who didn't want to give her surname, said: "There are a lot of druggies in the guesthouses. "They have changed a lot of the accommodation to halfway houses where the people are coming off drugs or drink. "But they're not clean because I know people who live on them. There are a lot of druggies in the guesthouses. They have changed a lot of the accommodation to halfway houses where the people are coming off drugs or drink Leslie "There's no way of policing people using drugs, so it's an issue. Who looks after these people?" She added: "There are nice parts. Park View, the high street, is good, but there are parts that let the place down. "Even the pavements are bad. I saw an old lady fall over the other day because it's all uneven and she stumbled and fell. "There needs to be better investment for things like that." Around the corner three young men in tracksuits holding a crate of lager are seen hurrying across the street and into a flat, locking the door behind them. Hotel hell 17 Brian tuned to begging after his benefits were stopped Credit: NNP Brian Place found himself begging on the streets after his benefits were stopped. The 45-year-old, who lives in a nearby residential home, said: "It is a bit bad around here. The people who get put in the hotels cause trouble. "It was voted as the best place to live but those people haven't seen the streets or the shopping bits. "I do think it has started to clam down with the drunks, but it has been bad." One woman walking her dog through the town who didn't want to be named added: "The people in the hotels gather in clusters. It was voted as the best place to live but those people haven't seen the streets or the shopping bits Brian Place "You often see them outside Home Bargains with the police outside. "We used to have lots of pubs and clubs, but at least they were making money. "We have the Dome, which do good meals, but it's very expensive. "The stuff they have spent the money on doesn't appeal to everyone. "If you walk along the streets you can tell where the nice stuff is, for the people with money. "Then you come into the centre and it's Home Bargains and charity shops." Tackling anti-social behaviour 17 Local police say they take all the crimes seriously and will respond Credit: NNP Northumbria Police's Chief Inspector David Morrison, of North Tyneside Area Command, said: "We take every crime reported to us seriously and carry out a number of initiatives across the year to ensure Whitley Bay remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. "During the summer months this includes Operation Coastwatch, which involves extra patrols, preventative work on the transport network to disrupt and stop any disorder before it reaches communities, and beach wardens to monitor coastal activity. "In the first six months of this year alone we saw a 19 per cent fall in the number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents in the town, compared with the same period in 2024. "We are not complacent, however, and are aiming to build on these excellent results. "Alongside our partner organisations, including North Tyneside Council, we carry out regular high-visibility patrols to identify any issues and act upon them. "We remain absolutely committed to tackling all forms of criminality in the community and anyone living in the area who has concerns should contact us so that we take the appropriate action. "Anyone found responsible for criminal behaviour will be dealt with to the full extent of the law." Rejuvenation hopes 17 The town used to be popular for people to spend a day or night out Credit: NNP 17 Parts of the town have seen huge investment but other areas have been left behind Credit: NNP Peter Mennell, Director of Housing at North Tyneside Council, said: "Whitley Bay has undergone a major transformation in recent years, with significant investment from the Council and private sector partners helping to breathe new life into the town. "The seafront has been revitalised, local businesses are thriving, and the town consistently ranks among the best places to shop — a real sign of the pride and happiness people feel here. "In the first six months of this year, reports of anti-social behaviour in Whitley Bay have fallen by 19 per cent, reflecting the positive impact of regular patrols and joint initiatives such as Operation Coastwatch. "Our work with Northumbria Police and partners ensures a strong, visible presence throughout the town, and we're committed to building on this success. "Our Community Protection Team and Northumbria Police work closely with residents and businesses to keep Whitley Bay safe and welcoming. "We encourage people to come and talk to us at community consultations and events — because working together is how we'll continue to tackle any issues and make the town an even better place to live, work and visit."
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit tourist reveals horror after being drugged & robbed by 3 women on Ipanema beach in ‘Goodnight Cinderella' scam
One of the suspects has been arrested 20 times before for similar offences 'TWO SIPS, THEN NOTHING' 'TWO SIPS, THEN NOTHING' Brit tourist reveals horror after being drugged & robbed by 3 women on Ipanema beach in 'Goodnight Cinderella' scam A BRIT tourist who was drugged and robbed by three women in a "Goodnight Cinderella" scam has told how he "took one, two sips and then nothing." Horrifying footage showed the holidaymaker collapsing unconscious on Rio de Janeiro's popular Ipanema beach after falling victim to the trick alongside his pal. 10 A Brit tourist who fell to the ground after reportedly being drugged by local women has broken his silence Credit: Newsflash 10 Two Brit men who fell victim to the scam have told local media about their experience Credit: Newsflash 10 Mayara Ketelyn Americo da Silva, 26, is alleged to have carried out the scam on the Brit Credit: Newsflash 10 Raiane Campos de Oliveira, 27, has been arrested 20 times for similar offences Credit: Newsflash Following his horror experience, the first-time visitor to Brazil, a 21-year-old engineering student, said: 'Maybe I'll come back one day but for now I think it's enough of this country.' The Brit said when recalling the terrifying ordeal: "I took two sips and I don't remember anything else." He added: "I tried to fight the drug. By the time I got to the beach I was completely out of it." He also explained that cops were still probing the ruse which has become increasingly common in Brazil among sex workers and escorts. Criminals posing as friendly locals often use Rohypnol, GHB - or any date rape drug - to drug tourists and rob them. Three suspects have been arrested and identified as Amanda Couto Deloca, 23, Mayara Ketelyn Americo da Silva, 26, and Raiane Campos de Oliveira, 27. The victim spoke to local media alongside a second British student who was also targeted. The other Brit revealed that just before losing consciousness he threw his phone into the sand when he sussed something was wrong to avoid the "Goodnight Cinderella" scam. He told Brazilian outlet G1: 'I must have realised what was going on and threw my phone.' The other victim who was filmed as he collapsed in the sand, said they had spent "a beautiful 10 days" in the country before the ordeal. The alleged crime occurred during the Brit pair's midweek night out last week when they were approached by the female thieves at a bar in the Rio neighbourhood of Lapa. Inside romance scam target lonely singles on dating apps but what they don't know is if we die They had been in Brazil for 10 days when they were targeted and had reportedly travelled to the South American country to celebrate the graduation of one of the university students. The Brit victims were young university students and met three women at a Samba dance. After heading to a local bar to carry on the evening, one of the victim's said he was handed a Caipirinha cocktail before losing all consciousness. When he woke up in hospital, he said £16,000 had been stolen from his account. Horrifying footage showed one of the tourists staggering along the beachfront before collapsing into the sand. The women are then seen running along the street and jumping into a taxi before quickly leaving the area. The Brit pair also thanked a local teenage delivery man called an ambulance and helped police catch the alleged culprits. The victim said: "I would like to thank him, whoever he is. "He filmed, called an ambulance, and helped the police track down the suspects. Thank you to him, whoever he is." 10 Amanda Couto Deloca, 23, is suspected of doping the Brit Credit: Newsflash 10 They had been holidaying in Brazil at the time Credit: Newsflash 10 The tourist told how he took a few sips, 'and then nothing' Credit: Newsflash The Good Samaritan also filmed the shocking footage of the 21-year-old Brit collapsing unconscious on the sand. He told local media: 'He was unresponsive. He was drooling. 'His eye was open. His face was in the sand. "I called the emergency services and they confirmed police and an ambulance were on their way.' The video he filmed also showed the three suspects who were later arrested fleeing the scene. According to investigators, the women are sex workers who target tourists in the city. Campos de Oliveira, was even previously jailed for six months for the same type of offence - and she been arrested 20 times before. Officers also identified the taxi driver who drove the women away after committing the offence, though he is not believed to have been involved. 10 The three suspects were filmed running and getting into a taxi Credit: Newsflash 10 They said they had spent 'a beautiful 10 days' in Brazil Credit: Newsflash The Special Tourism Support Unit have launched an investigation into the case and have urged visitors to be extra careful when socialising with strangers. Police chief Patricia Alemany said the toxicology tests to find out exactly what drug had been used to spike the British men's drinks were still being done. Cops also requested CCTV images from the area to try to identify possible accomplices. This comes as the scam has become worryingly widespread in the area with handfuls of tourists suffering its consequences. Criminal law professor Ronny Nunes, outlined the difficulties of convicting "Goodnight Cinderella" thieves. She said: 'Generally the victims of this type of crime are foreign tourists. 'This person files a report at the police station, and the investigation begins. "When it is necessary to consult this person, to ask them to identify someone, or even when proceedings have already been initiated, to ask them to go to court, before the judge and prosecutor, to confirm their statement, they are sometimes not found. "When the statement, that first one at the police station, is not ratified in court, conviction becomes very difficult, and acquittal is imposed.' Earlier this month, an escort was arrested for luring flirtatious tourists before drugging and robbing them of £13,000. Francini Demétrio Sitas, 23, was suspected of drugging, robbing and beating a Frenchman in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 10 The two Brit tourists had been on holiday for 10 days Credit: Newsflash
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Brit woman whose ‘father-in-law turn lover tried to drown her' pleads for release of ‘best friend' as he's denied bail
A BRIT woman has pleaded for the freedom of her father-in-law who has been denied bail after allegedly attempting to drown her. Mark Gibbon, 62, has been accused of attempting to murder Jasmine Wyld, 33, by repeatedly holding her head underwater in a pool during a vacation in Florida. Advertisement 6 Hairdresser Jasmine Wyld, 33, has pleaded for the freedom of her father in law Credit: Facebook 6 Mark Gibbon, 62, remains behind bars on charges of attempted murder Credit: The Mega Agency 6 Ms Wyld described her father-in-law as 'best friend' Mr Gibbon, a wealthy lighting engineer, is claimed to have struck a relationship with Ms Wyld - who was once married to his son Alex. Both of them have denied the claims. Ms Wyld, who is now back in the UK, broke her silence to speak about the Brit grandad, whom she described as her "best friend", The Times reports. Speaking to a court in Florida via video link, she said: "I have always felt very safe around Mark and him being around my two children. Advertisement "This has only come as a bit of a shock to me ... I can only sing his praises for what a fantastic grandfather he is." Ms Wyld previously told prosecutors she "could not breathe" and feared "she would drown", according to the Polk County Sheriff's office. It was her nine-year-old daughter who is said to have leapt into the pool to try to "save" her mother. Police reports said Mr Gibbon's alleged attack left her with scratches and bruising. Advertisement The Brit grandad from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and two counts of battery. Ms Wyld spoke in favour of a motion submitted by Mr Gibbon's lawyer, calling for his release from custody. Brit faces 20 years in jail as she pleads guilty to killing dad of two with e-scooter However, a Judge denied the request and said that Ms Wyld's testimony contradicts the sworn statement she gave on the day of the alleged drowning. They added: "Quite frankly, her testimony is of great concern to this court." Advertisement Officials at Polk County Prison, where Mr Gibbon continues to remain in custody, previously refused to comment on his detention conditions for safety reasons. Neighbours in Beaconsfield described Ms Wyld as the Brit granddad's "girlfriend" - and said she was often seen at his £800,000 semi-detached home. One neighbour told The Sun: "Everybody is shocked by this." Another, who said she was Wyld's friend, recalled: "Jasmine used to stay here a lot with the children. But I don't want to say much more because she is a friend of mine." Advertisement Family insiders claim tensions erupted years ago when Gibbon's son Alex allegedly found Wyld in his father's bed. 'About four years ago there was a big fall-out,' one source the Daily Mail. 6 Mr Gibbon and Ms Wyld have been pictured together on several occasions since their separations from their partners Credit: Facebook 6 Ms Wyld with her former husband Mr Alex, with who she shares two children together Advertisement 'Alex went up the stairs and found Jasmine in his father's bed. They had a massive row. It's torn the family apart… there's been so much bad blood between Alex and his dad.' Alex, 32, and Wyld separated in 2021 but share two young children. The feud deepened when Alex was jailed for driving an £80,000 Porsche Cayenne into his father during a public row. He was released six months ago, and father and son no longer speak. Advertisement Gibbon, who also runs hairdressing business Sage Hairdressing, allegedly pushed Wyld underwater during the Florida row after telling her she was not the main beneficiary of his will. He reportedly admitted pushing her but denied trying to kill her, claiming they had both been drinking, she slapped him, and the situation escalated. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said: 'We expect vacationers to behave while they visit with us, just as we expect our life-long residents to do the same. 'Because Mr Gibbon couldn't control his anger, he may find himself spending a lot more time in Florida than he had anticipated.' Advertisement If convicted on all charges, Gibbon could face up to 20 years in jail.
