Sudden gust of wind in Calvados: death of a kite-surfer

Europe 1 with AFP 10:30 a.m., June 19, 2022

A kite-surfer died on Sunday in Villers-sur-Mer in Calvados after being thrown against the window of a restaurant during a sudden gust of wind, around 8:30 p.m., we learned from the prefecture.

Aged 31, the sportsman, originally from the Paris region but having a second home in this Normandy town, died instantly, the same source said.

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Three slightly injured

This powerful gust of wind, which "lasted 20 to 25 minutes" on the "Côte Fleurie" between Ouistreham and Deauville, also caused "three minor injuries", it was specified.

This unexpected meteorological phenomenon and not announced by Météo France occurred while many people were still on the coast to enjoy the summer weather.

Chairs and tables placed on the terraces or in the gardens were suddenly moved or thrown while the sand was heaving, causing concern among walkers, the same source explained.

In Deauville, where a triathlon was taking place for which the athletes' village had been erected just behind the beach, the phenomenon also caused panic.

Searches, with an SNSM boat and a helicopter, were unsuccessful until 11 p.m. after a person was reported missing at sea. But at the end of the evening, according to the police cited by the prefecture, "it was no longer very sure" that there was indeed a missing person, this report being possibly attributable to the amazement and fright caused by this gust of wind.