An investigation has been launched into a paragliding accident that killed a British teacher who worked at a prestigious English language school in Spain.

The Daily Mail reports that 53-year-old Keith Anthony Duffy died while paragliding, after he plunged into stormy seas off the coast of San Sebastian near the Bay of Biscay.

The force of the waves pushed back a bystander who tried to reach Mr Duffy. His body was recovered by police helicopter. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Duffy was said to be an experienced paraglider who belonged to a local club. He had lived in northern Spain for several years and taught in San Sebastian.

His friend Jose Mateos said he was not the sort of person to take risks:

'We're devastated by what's happened,' said Mr Mateos.

'He wasn't a person who took risks. We won't know for sure what happened until the investigation is complete.’

Mr Duffy was paragliding from cliffs near the fishing village of Orio. It is thought he got into trouble when strong gusts of wind prevented him from reaching a narrow strip of beach between the cliffs and the sea and he was blown out to sea.

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