4 days ago
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James Winkles, 30, from Isle of Wight was found dead at El Laguito Beach after going missing in adverse weather conditions.
12:19, Mon, Mar 23, 2026 Updated: 12:22, Mon, Mar 23, 2026
Newlywed Brit tragically drowns on dream holiday with wife and friends (Image: JamPress)
A newly married British man has tragically lost his life by drowning on his dream getaway. James Winkles, from the Isle of Wight, was understood to be visiting the seaside destination with a party of friends, including his new bride. His body was discovered washed ashore at El Laguito Beach in Cartagena, Colombia, on Sunday morning.
James had been in the city, situated on Colombia's Caribbean coastline, for 12 days, according to local reports. He was understood to be staying at an upmarket hotel in the El Laguito district to mark his nuptials with friends.
James was visiting Colombia with friends and his new bride (Image: JamPress)
The 30-year-old disappeared the previous evening after purportedly going into the water during poor weather and hazardous sea conditions.
His body was located close to the waterline, floating face down at approximately 7am.
Emergency personnel attended the scene and confirmed the holidaymaker showed no signs of life.
His body was transported to a local mortuary to determine the circumstances surrounding his suspected drowning.
The inquiry into the British holidaymaker's death continues.
James and his bride (Image: JamPress)
James became the second individual to drown off the El Laguito Beach coastline this year (Image: JamPress)
James, who was employed at a family-operated car dealership in Ryde, became the second individual to drown off the El Laguito Beach coastline this year.
On 7 February, chef Samuel Peñates Cortina, 21, was carried away whilst swimming in the sea with his girlfriend, as reported by NeedToKnow.
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His body was recovered three days afterwards on a beach on Tierra Bomba island.
Authorities have called on swimmers to take care when going into the water. They advised against entering the sea if the wind is strong and waves surpass 1.9 metres in height, recommended waiting a bit after eating, and cautioned against excessive alcohol consumption.
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