On Monday evening, the search for a 41-year-old man who failed to return home after a kayaking trip concluded at the Embalse del Ebro reservoir, located between Cantabria and Burgos. The resident of the village of La Costana, well-acquainted with these waters, went out to train, as he did almost every day. This time, however, his return was awaited in vain.
As night fell, the athlete’s father raised the alarm: his son was not answering calls and had not returned home at the expected time. The family immediately sought help from rescue services, and soon a large-scale search operation began along the shores of the reservoir.
Rescue operation
Firefighters, rescue workers, drone specialists, and divers from Cantabria and Burgos joined the search. The operation also involved members of the Guardia Civil, medical teams, and volunteers from several municipalities. A mobile command post was set up on site to coordinate the efforts of all involved services.
For several hours, rescuers combed the water and shoreline using boats, drones, and special underwater search equipment. Local residents familiar with the kayaker’s usual routes also joined the search. Despite their efforts, the man could not be found before nightfall.
Anxious wait
As time passed, hope for a positive outcome faded with every minute. The athlete’s family and friends remained on the shore, watching the rescuers at work. In the area of Quintanamanil, one of the villages surrounding the reservoir, search efforts were especially intensive—this was the last place the kayaker was seen.
By evening, additional resources joined the search: firefighters from Burgos and volunteers from Valdemezana and Villarcayo de Merindad de Castilla la Vieja. The entire area around the Ebro was divided into sectors to ensure no section was overlooked.
A tragic ending
Around nine in the evening, when hope had almost faded, one of the relatives discovered the man’s body in the water, not far from the shore, in the Quintanamanil area. Rescuers and police immediately arrived at the scene to officially record the incident and provide the necessary assistance to the victim’s family.
Authorities in Cantabria and Burgos expressed their condolences to the victim’s relatives. The Ebro reservoir, despite its popularity among water sports enthusiasts, once again served as a reminder of hidden dangers—even for experienced athletes.
