'Impossible': Experts doubt spa suction killed couple in Spain accident

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World

Author: Jack Marshall,
Publish Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2026, 2:27pm

Experts have cast doubt on claims a spa pool suction malfunction was responsible for the deaths of a New Zealand man and his Irish wife in Spain.

Patrick Tobin, 48, from Wellington, and Thomasina Tobin, 51, from Monaghan, were found dead at a luxury holiday villa in Cullera, near Valencia, last month.

The London-based couple were discovered by their two teenage children after an incident involving a hot tub at the property.

Investigators have been examining whether “suction entrapment” contributed to the deaths. Initial reports suggested one of the couple may have become trapped by powerful suction from the spa system, with the other dying while attempting a rescue.

However, spa industry specialists have questioned whether a domestic hot tub could generate enough force to trap, let alone kill, two adults.

Valencia-based spa technician Francisco Quero told the Daily Mail he found the theory difficult to accept, arguing that privately owned spa pools typically operate with relatively low-powered motors.

He said an adult becoming permanently trapped by the suction system would be highly unusual, even if safety grilles had been removed.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for Patrick and Thomasina Tobin, who have been widely remembered as a devoted couple.

“It is very strange that an adult would get stuck in the suction system. A baby might get stuck but not an adult,” he said.

Another industry figure, Goccia Spa chief executive Carlos Navarro, told the Daily Mail he did not believe it either.

“I have visited factories all around the world and seen many different designs and it is practically impossible for something like this to happen at hot tubs installed in the home.

“It is very improbable, but there may have been a chance that one of the holes became covered by something and blocked, causing all the suction to go through the other hole.

“But I still don’t think this would be enough pressure for an adult to get stuck. There are security measures that cause them to switch off every 15 minutes.”

The comments add to questions over the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths, which remain under investigation by Spanish authorities.

Spanish investigators in the coastal town of Cullera (pictured) are trying to figure out what killed New Zealander Patrick Tobin and his Irish wife Thomasina Tobin. Photo / Getty Images

Meanwhile, funeral arrangements have been announced for the Tobins, who have been remembered as a devoted couple who shared a life centred on family and friendship.

The pair will lie at Ward’s Funeral Home in Ballybay, Monaghan, on September 17, with family members in attendance.

The funeral cortege will leave Thomasina’s family home in Cabra on the morning of September 18.

Tributes have continued to be paid to the couple, with mourners expressing sympathy to relatives and the couple’s children as they mourn their loss.

“Sincere condolences to you and your family on the sad passing of Thomasina & Patrick. Thinking of you all and their children at this very difficult time. May they both rest in peace,” read one of the condolences.