A British brother and sister, aged 11 and 13, have drowned after getting into difficulties while swimming off a beach in Salou, a popular Mediterranean resort in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain. Their father, who ran into the sea to rescue them, survived.
Emergency services were called to the Platja Llarga beach, next to the Hotel Negresco, shortly before 9pm on Tuesday. Although all three were brought ashore alive, emergency workers, including police and firefighters, could not revive the children. Reports indicate they were swimming in a rocky area about 100 metres from the beach, but heavy seas prevented their return to shore. The father attempted to rescue them before needing rescue himself.
The tragedy occurred hours after a 54-year-old German tourist drowned nearby at Cambrils. On Wednesday, Salou held a minute of silence at 11.45am in memory of the victims, whose identities have not yet been released. A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of two British children who have died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Spanish beaches are flagged green, yellow or red depending on sea conditions. At both Salou and Cambrils, a yellow flag indicated bathers, especially children, should be cautious. Oliver Klein, mayor of Cambrils, expressed profound sadness and urged bathers to heed flag warnings and lifeguard advice, stating: “The flags aren’t just advisory, they are there to save lives.”
