A British brother and sister, aged 11 and 13, tragically drowned while swimming off Llarga beach in Salou, Tarragona, on Tuesday night. The children were in the water when their father saw them in difficulty and entered the sea to try to save them. He was rescued alive but exhausted, while his children could not be revived.
Police reported that sea conditions were rough, and the beach had been flying a yellow flag throughout the day, indicating caution advised for swimming. Lifeguards had finished their shift less than an hour before the incident, which occurred at 8:48 pm. A hotel worker and local police officers attempted to assist, with one officer describing dangerous waves and swell.
Seven medical units, along with police and fire services, attended the scene. Both children were in cardiac arrest when brought ashore, and resuscitation efforts failed. Inspector Jose Luis Gargallo of Salou's local police force confirmed the family had five children; the mother was at a nearby hotel with the other three.
Gargallo noted that a yellow flag had been in place all day due to stormy sea conditions, and another person had died in similar circumstances hours earlier. He stated that an investigation would determine if improvements could be made. A team of psychologists was sent to support the family.
