A luxury holiday turned into a nightmare when a couple are believed to have become trapped by a spa’s powerful suction — with one dying in a desperate attempt to save the other.
Patrick Tobin, 48, and his wife Thomasina, 51, were found dead in the spa at the Spanish villa they had rented for a family holiday in Cullera, about 40km south of Valencia.
Their children, aged 16 and 14, made the horrifying discovery last week after finding their parents partially outside the spa.
The couple had arrived at the three-bedroom Villa Luna on August 22 for a two-week holiday and were due to return to the UK on September 6.
The spa was billed as a “ground floor oasis” and one of the villa’s key attractions, featuring a jacuzzi, television and shower area built into rock, with panoramic Mediterranean views.
But investigators believe the couple may have fallen victim to the rare phenomenon of suction entrapment.
It occurs when powerful suction from a drain or circulation system traps a person underwater, making it difficult or impossible to escape.
Post-mortem examinations reportedly found marks and scratches on both bodies, while blood was found in the cloudy water and investigators noted a strong chemical smell.
Suction marks were reportedly more pronounced on Mr Tobin, leading to a theory that he may have become trapped first before Mrs Tobin attempted to rescue him.
However, conflicting reports from Spain have suggested the reverse — that Mr Tobin was the one who entered the water to save his wife.
Police have yet to clarify the discrepancy.
A source close to the investigation said excessive suction generated by the spa’s hydro-massage system was one of the main theories being examined.
“One of the pair died after getting into difficulties in the water because of an excessive suction force generated by the hot tub’s hydro-massage mechanism and the other lost their life during a desperate rescue attempt,” the source said.
Foul play has been ruled out, with no signs of forced entry and no suspicious activity detected on nearby CCTV.
Police also investigated whether either victim had been electrocuted in the spa but the theory has been ruled out.
The couple’s children are understood to have been traumatised after finding their parents.
They alerted the villa owner, who lived nearby, before police were called and contacted relatives using one of the children’s phones.
Three relatives, including an uncle, travelled from Ireland to Spain to care for the teenagers following the tragedy.
Colina del Sol, the resort where the villa is located, said it was awaiting the conclusion of the official investigation.
“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family affected by this tragic incident,” a spokesman said.
“The resort has always maintained the highest standards of safety and quality.”
Spanish authorities are continuing to investigate the deaths, with the official post-mortem findings not expected to be publicly released.
The villa forms part of the gated Cap Blanc residential estate and is understood to cost about $4000 a week to rent.
Its website describes the 250sqm property as “a synonym of luxury” and promotes the private spa as a place for guests to enjoy “moments of pure relaxation”.
Images show the hot tub inside a dimly lit spa room with stone and marble-effect walls, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea and even two champagne flutes beside the tub.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails