What was meant to be a sunny family getaway on Spain’s coast ended in heartbreak, as two young British brothers tragically lost their lives after getting into difficulty while swimming at the beach.
The Incident at Llarga Beach
The devastating incident happened on Tuesday evening at Llarga beach in Salou, located in the Tarragona region of Catalonia.
The boys, aged just 11 and 13, were enjoying the water with their father when things took a tragic turn.
According to emergency services, the children were pulled under while swimming and sadly drowned.
Their father was also in the water but was rescued alive.
Emergency Response Rushed to the Scene
Emergency services were alerted at around 8:47 p.m., prompting a massive multi-agency response.
Paramedics from the Medical Emergency System (SEM) rushed to the beach, and a team of psychologists was brought in to support the devastated family.
Seven emergency units arrived at the beach, including Salou’s Local Police, the regional Catalan police force (Mossos d’Esquadra), and the Generalitat Fire Brigade, which deployed five units.
Despite the quick response, there was nothing more that could be done to save the two boys.
A Disturbing Pattern on Catalan Beaches
This tragedy brings the total number of beach-related deaths in Catalonia this summer to 16, a figure that has already surpassed last year’s toll for the same period by five.
The summer safety campaign in the region only began on June 15, making this an alarming trend.
Civil Protection’s Warning to the Public
In a statement following the incident, Catalonia’s Civil Protection agency emphasized the need for heightened caution while enjoying water activities.
“If someone appears to be struggling in the water or seems unwell, it’s crucial to notify lifeguards or call 112 immediately to ensure a swift response,” they urged.
The agency also reminded holidaymakers and locals alike of the importance of staying vigilant, whether at the beach, by a pool, or at inland waters during the summer months.
A Second Drowning the Same Day
Adding to the sorrow, authorities confirmed that a 54-year-old German tourist also drowned on Tuesday in Cambrils, another coastal town in the Tarragona region.
His death, while separate from the Salou tragedy, only deepens concerns about beach safety this summer.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of two young lives has left the local community, as well as their grieving family, in shock.
Support teams remain with the relatives, and the incident has prompted renewed calls for public awareness around water safety — particularly during what’s expected to be a busy summer season across Europe’s beaches.