Potholer dies in Hozgarganta River

Hozgarganta River
(Photo: andaluciarustica.com)

Her partner called in the alarm

JIMENA (Agencies) A 32 year old woman, with the initials M.B.J. and belonging to a group from Jerez, died over last weekend at the top reaches of the Hozgarganta River. The cause of death  remains unclear as yet. The area where she died, known as La Motilla, and close to Puerto de Gáliz, is in very rough terrain that makes access extremely difficult, and there is hardly any mobile phone coverage. According to sources at the 112 emergency centre, the incident began at about 2pm at a meander of the river which in fact is within the confines of the municipality of Jerez, although the Hozgarganta travels almost entirely through that of Jimena. However, as Jimena is much closer to the zone, local fire rescue and Guardia Civil crews were called out while others belonging to Málaga province acted as back-ups. The crews reported the place as within Jimena. They also said that the woman was already dead when they arrived but taking her body to the C-8201 road was a very difficult task. The report also said that her partner had initially tried to revive her as he was unable to connect via mobile phone. He had managed to get her out of the water, though, and onto firm ground. M.B.J. practiced potholing under water, which is considered a very high risk sport.