Two British brothers, aged 11 and 13, tragically drowned off the Llarga beach in Catalonia, Spain, on Tuesday evening, regional emergency services confirmed on Wednesday. Their father, who bravely attempted to rescue them, had to be pulled from the water himself and survived the incident.
The seaside tragedy unfolded while a yellow warning flag was hoisted at the beach, signalling hazardous conditions and advising swimmers to exercise caution due to choppy waters. However, the boys entered the water and were overwhelmed by strong currents.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but the boys could not be saved. A team of psychologists is now assisting the grieving family. Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
Llarga beach, located on Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast, is a popular summer destination known for its mostly sandy shoreline and occasional rocky outcrops.
The incident brings the number of beach-related deaths in Catalonia to 16 since mid-June, five more than during the same period last year. Across Spain, more than 700 people drowned in pools and coastal waters in 2023 — the second highest toll in a decade — as tourism surged to record levels, according to the Royal Spanish Lifeguard and First Aid Federation.
Authorities continue to urge beachgoers to adhere strictly to posted warnings and exercise caution, particularly when conditions are unfavourable.
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