A cliff collapse near the Biarritz lighthouse killed one woman and left another diver missing on June 24, 2024 [1], [2], [4].
The incident highlights the increasing danger of coastal erosion in high-traffic tourist areas during extreme weather events. The collapse occurred on a heavily frequented beach on the Basque coast in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of France [4], [5].
Emergency responders said that one person died in the collapse [1]. The victim was a 33-year-old female diver [1], [3]. A second diver is currently reported missing [2], [3].
Witnesses said the event was a sudden collapse of a large section of the cliff face into the sea [2], [3]. The collapse took place during a heatwave, which officials said may have contributed to the instability of the rock [1], [6]. Heat and erosion are believed to have weakened the cliff structure before it gave way [1], [6].
Search operations continued for the missing diver following the event. Local authorities have issued alerts for pedestrians and visitors to remain vigilant near the cliffs due to the risk of further collapses [6].
While some reports differed on the exact day of the week, the date of the event was June 24, 2024 [4]. The area remains a focal point for rescue teams and geological assessors who are evaluating the stability of the surrounding coastline.
“A 33-year-old female diver died in the collapse.”
This event underscores the intersection of climate-driven weather extremes and geological instability. The fact that a heatwave preceded the collapse suggests that rapid temperature shifts can accelerate the degradation of coastal limestone or shale, turning popular tourist landmarks into active hazard zones.
