Storm sinks boats, causes damage in northern Spain

11 March 2008

SAN SEBASTIAN – Stormy weather caused damage Tuesday in northern Spain, sinking about 50 boats in the port of San Sebastian and wreaking havoc in the city, officials said.

Waves 9.5 metres high hit the coast while wind blew at up to 100 kilometres per hour.

Floodwater smashed protective walls and damaged phone booths and some buildings at the seaside.

Water inundated some streets, garages and basements, shattered windows, knocked over street lamps and containers and damaged parked cars. One woman was reported slightly injured after being swept away by a current.

Similar damage was reported in Santander, Gijon and Bermeo. In La Coruna, four people were injured after being hit by a wave on Monday.