Three boys died after getting into trouble while swimming at Arrabassada beach near the northeastern Spanish city of Tarragona. Local authorities announced it on Sunday.
The tragedy occurred on Friday when a group of six boys jumped into the sea from rocks despite a yellow warning flag flying on the beach warning of strong waves.
The three boys managed to get back to shore on their own. The remaining three were pulled from the sea by rescuers. The 12-year-old boy died at the scene despite attempts to revive him. Two 13-year-old boys were taken to hospital in critical condition, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The president of the Catalan regional government, Salvador Illa, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. “There are no words at a time of such sadness,” X wrote on the social network.
Tarragona City Council declared three days of mourning. At the same time, the mayor of the city, Rubén Viňuales, called on the public not to underestimate the safety warnings on the beaches. “People shouldn’t take unnecessary risks. They shouldn’t jump off rocks under any circumstances,” he stressed.
Spanish authorities regularly warn that even a yellow warning flag signals dangerous conditions for swimming, especially in areas with strong surf and currents.
