A 19-year-old British woman tragically died in the early hours of Tuesday morning after falling from the sixth floor of Hotel Vibra District in Sant Antoni, Ibiza. The incident occurred around 3.00 am, with authorities suspecting that the young woman was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
UPDATE – The British woman has been named as Emma Ramsay, a talented law student from Hamilton, just outside Glasgow in Scotland. Emma had been on holiday with friends at the time of her death. Tributes have poured in from friends and former teachers.
The Guardia Civil confirmed that the body was recovered at approximately 5.30 am, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death.
This heartbreaking incident is part of a concerning pattern of similar occurrences in the Balearic Islands, often referred to as “balconing.” This dangerous activity involves people attempting to jump from balconies into swimming pools or between balconies, usually while intoxicated. Despite numerous public safety campaigns and the imposition of heavy fines, the practice persists, particularly among young tourists.
Urgent issue for local authorities
In recent years, “balconing” has claimed numerous lives and caused serious injuries, making it a significant issue for the local authorities. Since 1999, “balconing” has resulted in 104 deaths and 282 serious injuries, costing the public healthcare system millions of euros. In 2023 alone, the Balearic Islands saw a spike in such incidents, with at least 10 deaths linked to “balconing” or falls from hotel balconies. This year, the trend shows no signs of abating, with several deaths reported over the summer season, including the latest tragedy in Ibiza.
Multiple awareness campaigns
The local government, in collaboration with hotel associations and health authorities, has been working to curb this deadly trend through awareness campaigns targeting tourists, particularly those from the UK, where many of the victims originate. These initiatives include informational materials in hotels, stricter regulations, and increased security measures. One organisation tries to combat the phenomenon with dark humour and irony. Founded in 2022, this Balearic Federation of Balconing monitors and documents these incidents, blending humour with awareness. They employ a clever ranking and point system to document incidents. Repeat offenders are awarded special prizes like the “Premio Mar Adentro” for the most absurd jumps and the “Barandilla de Oro”.
Alarming new ‘balconing’ trend
In an alarming evolution of the “balconing” trend, some thrill-seekers have taken the dangerous practice to even more extreme and perilous levels. In addition to the traditional act of jumping from balconies into pools, individuals coat themselves in alcohol, set themselves on fire, and then leap into the pool in an attempt to extinguish the flames. This reckless behaviour, fuelled by the effects of alcohol or drugs, heightens the risk of severe burns. Furthermore, it also adds to the already significant danger of impact injuries from the fall. Despite efforts by many hotels to combat “balconing” by raising the height of balcony railings, these new extreme stunts highlight the sheer recklessness and tragic consequences of such actions.