Photo by Vanessa Schipani

Despite repeated warnings and too many close calls, a tourist has drowned in Reynisfjara after being swept out to sea.

MBL reports that a foreign tourist who was reported missing has been found. Unfortunately, the man in question drowned in Reynisfjara. According to South Iceland police, the man had lost his footing in the surf and was pulled in by the undertow.

As reported, despite being warned by tour guides and the presence of signs advising people to stay on walking paths, tourists continue to tempt fate at Reynisfjara by wading into the waters.

This behavior has troubled workers in the tourism industry and police alike, who have put forward that a permanent guard is perhaps needed at the beach itself, since verbal warnings and signs are apparently not enough to deter people from wading into the dangerous surf.

The Grapevine would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the departed, and implore all of our readers: do not, under any circumstances, trifle with Reynisfjara. For that matter, trust your tour guides to know which places in Iceland are more dangerous than they appear, and abide their warnings – for the sake of your own life, and that of others sent to rescue you.