A profound sorrow has gripped the holiday region of Salou on the Costa Dorada: Two British brothers, aged 11 and 13, tragically drowned on Tuesday evening at Llarga Beach. Their father was fortunately rescued from the waves. This tragic incident occurred just hours after a 54-year-old German tourist also died while swimming in Cambrils. The series of drowning deaths on Catalan beaches has thus reached a sad peak, already exceeding last year’s figures.
Dramatic Rescue Operation at Llarga Beach
The 112 emergency call center received the shocking notification on Tuesday at 8:47 PM. Seven ground units from the Medical Emergency System (SEM) immediately rushed to the scene. In addition to the rescue teams, a team of psychologists was also present to provide support to the distressed family members. The swift response of the local police of Salou, the Mossos d’Esquadra corps, and five crews from the Generalitat fire department underscores the urgency of the situation. Despite all efforts, it was too late for the two minors. Their father, who desperately tried to save his sons, was rescued alive from the water and immediately received medical attention.
Catalonia’s Beaches: A Concerning Drowning Toll
The statistics of drowning deaths on Catalonia’s beaches show an alarming trend. With the two brothers and the German tourist, 16 people have already lost their lives in the waters of Catalonia since the official start of the summer campaign on June 15. This number surpasses that of the previous year during the same period (11) by five fatalities. The reasons for this increase are manifold, ranging from careless behavior and underestimated currents to a lack of attention.
Experts therefore urgently appeal to all bathers to take the warning signs on the beaches seriously, pay attention to the flag warnings, and never leave children unsupervised near or in the water. The beauty of the Catalan coast must not obscure the potential dangers.
