The deceased was a member of the Spanish police agency Guardia Civil. Two other police officers were seriously injured and one was slightly injured when their boats collided during the operation.
Spain's proximity to North African Morocco, a major producer of cannabis, makes Spain central to the fight against drug trafficking. Fatalities frequently occur during chases between police and smugglers.
The accident occurred outside the southern province of Huelva, in Andalusia.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences for the deceased police officers on X.
