Wigan couple killed in Majorca floods had been 'looking forward to latest adventure'

Tony and Delia Green's family have paid tribute to them.

Author: Victoria GloverPublished 12th Oct 2018

It's emerged a British couple killed by flash floods in Majorca were originally from Greater Manchester.

Tony and Delia Green, who were both in their 70s, spent much of their life in Atherton, near Wigan, before retiring to Scotland and had recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

The couple died when their taxi was swept away by surging waters near the coastal resort of S'Illot on Tuesday night.

Their family has paid tribute to them and said they'd been "looking forward to their latest adventure abroad''.

In a statement released through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, their children said: "We are deeply shocked by the sudden passing of our parents Delia and Tony Green in the tragic events in Majorca.

"They were travelling out to Majorca for a two-week holiday when they were caught up in the flooding.

"Delia and Tony were a loving, kind and caring couple. They were at their happiest when they were with their family and friends.

"They recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Originally from Atherton, Greater Manchester, they retired to Moffat fourteen years ago.

"Tony, a retired head teacher from Lancashire, worked in Germany and later in Grantham.

"Delia and Tony got a taste for travel with Cala Bona recently becoming a regular destination. They were looking forward to their latest adventure abroad.

"The family take some solace from the knowledge that they died together.

"Our thoughts also go out to their taxi driver and his family who are coming to terms with their loss as well. They will all be missed by everyone who knew them.

"We would like to thank everyone for the love and support shown to our family as we come to terms with losing our parents. We would very much appreciate privacy at this most difficult of times.'

Authorities on the island said 12 people died after torrential rain deluged the region around the town of Sant Llorenc, about 40 miles east of the capital, Palma.

Some parts of the island received up to 9in (23cm) of rainfall in a matter of hours on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses described having minutes to find safety as the water levels rose, inundating houses and catching motorists off guard.

The floodwaters tore down trees, swept numerous cars and trucks into piles of twisted metal and buried streets under mud.

Rescue workers reportedly found the car submerged and on its side at the mouth of the torrent in S'Illot at 2am (1am BST) on Wednesday.

Military divers found the couple's bodies still inside, while Mr Sillero was later found lifeless nearby, the paper said