A bodybuilder drowned after being swept out to sea while on holiday in the Canary Islands.
Carl Lee Thompson, 36, from Heckmondwike, died while swimming in waters at Corralejo, Fuerteventura, on August 10, Bradford Coroner’s Court heard on Tuesday.
Mr Thompson had been on the second evening of his holiday with his fiancée and two sons, when he and others became caught in strong currents.
It is believed that red flags, warning swimmers of the strong currents, had been replaced with yellow ones the day before.
Corralejo residents said the stretch of water was notorious for its strong rip currents which had previously swept paddlers off their feet.
The inquest heard that Mr Thompson’s fiancée, Sally Barrett had also been caught in the water – but had managed to swim back to land and call for help.
Three people were rescued from the sea, including Ms Barrett’s 16-year-old brother.
But Mr Thompson, who had recently moved to a new home on Leeds Old Road with his family, was found unresponsive as he was pulled from the sea. He was later pronounced dead.
Mr Thompson had been wearing his arm in a sling before flying out following a work injury, according to neighbours.
Following the accident members of an online Fuerteventura forum complained of inadequate warning signs on the beach.
One member commented: “Sad news, happened just after we left the beach, so about 6pm. Friends who were still on beach witnessed the successful rescue of three people from the water but sadly by the time the lifeguards located the fourth person in the group, it was too late.
“Seems ironic that the warning flags were yellow today rather than the red ones that have been in place for the last week or so.
“There have been a number of rips on that beach this last week – please take great care if you are in the water, the rips have been sweeping people off their feet when they are at less than knee depth of water.”
The inquest was adjourned by Coroner Martin Fleming until December 15 so statements from the Spanish authorities could be received.
A Foreign Office spokesman said they were making inquiries into the death.
