BIARRITZ, France — A massive section of coastline near the lighthouse in Biarritz, a resort town on France’s southwestern Atlantic coast, collapsed Wednesday evening, killing one diver and leaving another missing, local authorities said.
The collapse occurred around 8:20 p.m. while three divers were at the base of the cliff, Biarritz City Hall said in a statement.
One escaped unharmed and was assisted by emergency teams.
Rescue workers on boats search for a missing person near a massive section of coastline that collapsed Wednesday evening, killing one diver and leaving another missing, in Biarritz, France, on Thursday, June 25, 2026. AP Photo/Yohan BonnetThe collapse occurred around 8:20 p.m. while three divers were at the base of the cliff, Biarritz City Hall said in a statement. Laurent VU/SIPA/ShutterstockOne escaped unharmed and was assisted by emergency teams. AFP via Getty Images
Rescuers, including specialized divers, launched a search operation for the two other persons.
They recovered the body of a female diver.
Searches for the other diver resumed on Thursday.
Officials have banned public access, swimming and boating within 300 meters (985 feet) of the cliff because of the risk of further collapse.
Officials have banned public access, swimming and boating within 300 meters (985 feet) of the cliff because of the risk of further collapse. Laurent VU/SIPA/ShutterstockTwo men stand near a lifeguard post at the Miramar beach as it was closed after a section of a cliff collapsed, killing one woman and leaving a diver missing, in Biarritz, on June 25, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
Biarritz is a tourist destination known for its rugged cliffs, beaches and status as one of Europe’s premier surfing spots.
