07 June 2024 , 17:25
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A 52-year-old British tourist rushed into the water to aid two youngsters, aged six and seven, along with others after they began to struggle in the water - the tourist has sadly died
A British tourist has tragically died after he tried to save two children who were in difficulty in the sea at a beach in Spain.
The man, aged 52, ran into the water in a bid to help the children, aged six and seven, along with others in Costa Blanca. However, he sadly passed away, alongside a 46-year-old man, from Poland, after both kids were saved. Two other people were rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties following the ordeal. They are believed to be a 20-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man.
The double tragedy happened at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura south of Alicante during gusting winds of up to almost 40mph. A Civil Guard source confirmed the death of the 52-year-old Brit. The incident is said to have taken place around midday on Friday.
The Civil Guard said: “Two people lost their lives. One was British and the other Polish. They were both trying to help two young children who were in difficulties in the sea. The sea conditions were pretty bad.” The local mayor has since addressed the incident and warned of the "strong dragging currents".
Two other members of the public were rushed to a local hospital ( Image: SOLARPIX.COM)
Guardamar del Segura mayor Jose Luis Saez said after today’s double tragedy: “Three deaths from drowning in the last 24 hours at Guardamar’s beaches. The prevailing sea conditions are very dangerous, with strong dragging currents making bathing unadvisable.” He added: “Maximum precaution is needed as the weekend weather is going to be unstable.”
The two men lost their lives just a day after another man, a 68-year-old Israeli national, drowned at the same beach. The mayor announced there will be a full council following the latest incident. The tragedies in the last 24 hours means eight people have now drowned in the province of Alicante, which Guardamar del Segura is part of, in the first seven days of June.
Last month, a British toddler sadly died after they drowned in a swimming pool in Costa Blanca. Paramedics rushed to the scene to help the child, who was just 18-months-old, but despite their best efforts they sadly died. It was unclear at the time of reporting whether the child was a boy or a girl. A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Alicante said: “This incident is still under investigation but everything so far is pointing to the youngster’s death being a tragic accident.”