Swimmers seeking shelter on the rocks, others crowding the shore, waiting for help to arrive. Men, women (one of them six months pregnant), and many children and teenagers experienced moments of genuine fear yesterday as the fire threatened Punta Molentis and devastated part of the jewel of Villasimius' coastline.

The most dramatic moments of the hellish Sunday were captured in a live video from a Coast Guard helicopter, which coordinated the sea rescue of nearly 200 people.

In the words of Villasimius mayor Luca Dessì: "It can only be arson. It was the work of a madman, a criminal. It could have been a massacre."

THE IMAGES:

Video Guardia Costiera

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