Tragedy in Spain: British Brother and Sister Drown Off Salou Coast
A British family is mourning the loss of two children, aged 11 and 13, who tragically drowned off Llarga beach in Salou, Spain, on Tuesday evening. Emergency services recovered the children and their father from the water, but despite extensive efforts, the siblings could not be revived.
Rough Seas and a Late Rescue
According to local authorities, the incident occurred as sea conditions were unusually rough for the typically calm area. “The sea was rough, and people sometimes underestimate its power – especially in this area, which is usually very calm,” stated a senior official. He further explained that while the beach is generally considered safe for swimming, conditions on Tuesday were markedly different along the entire coastline.
The emergency call came in shortly before 9:00 PM, after lifeguards had already concluded their duties for the day. Seven medical units, along with police and fire services, were dispatched to the scene. The father survived the ordeal, though he had ingested a significant amount of water and was suffering from exhaustion.
Family’s Ordeal and Wider Concerns
The family of five – the mother and other children – were reportedly at their hotel nearby when the incident occurred. Authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances to prevent similar tragedies in the future. A team of psychologists has been deployed to provide support to the grieving family.
A minute’s silence was held outside Salou town hall on Wednesday to honor the victims. Local authorities expressed their deep sadness over the loss, speaking to the BBC about the tragedy.
Rising Fatalities on Catalan Beaches
This incident is part of a concerning trend of drownings along the Catalan coast this summer. Officials report that 16 people have died on Catalan beaches since June 15th – five more fatalities than during the same period last year. A separate incident on Tuesday saw a 54-year-old German man drown at Cap de Sant Pere de Cambrils, a short distance from Llarga beach.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is providing support to the family and is in contact with local authorities. The civil protection force has issued a strong warning, urging extreme caution on beaches, swimming pools, and inland waters throughout the summer.
Tourism and Safety in Salou
Salou is a popular destination for British tourists, attracting approximately 1.3 million visitors annually. This tragedy comes after the deaths of two British men, aged 19 and 26, in separate incidents on the island of Ibiza earlier this month. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of heeding beach safety warnings, noting that Llarga beach had a yellow flag displayed throughout the day on Tuesday, indicating caution was advised.
