A seaside paradise turned into a scene of chaos as a wildfire engulfed Punta Molentis beach in Villasimius, southern Sardinia, on Sunday. Approximately 200 sunbathers fled through smoke-choked air and flames that reached the shoreline, with Coast Guard patrol boats and private vessels executing urgent sea rescues. The inferno erupted mid-afternoon when mistral winds ignited coastal vegetation, rapidly spreading to the parking area and trapping vehicles.
As towering flames encircled the beach—creating a “meter-high smoke wall”—some evacuees waded into the sea seeking refuge while land crews raced to assist stranded families. Firefighting teams from San Vito and Castiadas battled the blaze alongside aerial support: a helicopter and two Canadair water bombers coordinated with regional resources. Maritime evacuations proved critical, with the Coast Guard vessel CP320 rescuing 102 people and a Finance Police boat saving 39 others. Private citizens also deployed boats during the emergency.
All evacuees, including a six-month-pregnant woman and an asthmatic child, were transported to port and evaluated by medical teams. No injuries were reported, though ecologists from the Grig group lamented the “literal vanishing” of an “environmental jewel,” citing scorched landscapes, gridlocked roads, and desperate aerial firefighting efforts.