A 25-year-old man drowned in the Segre River near Camarasa after jumping from rocks. Emergency teams launched a major search but could not revive him. The incident follows another recent drowning in Catalonia.
A 25-year-old man lost his life on Sunday after jumping into the Segre River from rocks near Camarasa (Lleida). The incident occurred in the Congost del Mu area, close to the old Campament de la Canadenca, and triggered a large-scale emergency response. According to Bombers de la Generalitat, the alarm was raised at 14:15 when a witness reported that two people had leapt into the water. While one managed to exit the river unaided, the other disappeared from view, prompting immediate search efforts.
Rescue teams, including eleven ground units, a helicopter with GRAE (Grupo de Actuaciones Especiales) specialists, divers, and a boat, were deployed to the scene. Authorities also requested the Camarasa Hydroelectric Plant to halt its turbines, reducing the river's flow to aid the search. Despite these measures, it took nearly two hours to locate the missing man. His body was found lifeless, trapped among branches about fifty meters from where he was last seen.
Emergency personnel removed the victim from the water and attempted resuscitation, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The companion who had jumped with him was assessed by the Servicio de Emergencias Médicas (SEM) and did not require hospital treatment. The tragedy comes just a day after another young man, aged 21, drowned in a separate incident in a canal in the Delta de l’Ebre near Amposta (Montsià), highlighting a concerning pattern of water-related accidents in Catalonia.
Such incidents underscore the risks associated with swimming or jumping into natural waterways, especially in areas with unpredictable currents or submerged obstacles. In recent years, Catalonia has seen a rise in accidental drownings during the warmer months, often involving young adults and tourists unfamiliar with local conditions. Authorities regularly urge caution and recommend only swimming in designated safe zones. For context, large-scale emergency responses to accidents are not uncommon in Spain, as seen during major events like the wildfire evacuations in Castellón, where coordinated efforts by multiple agencies are critical to managing crises—details of which can be found in this report on emergency evacuations in Vall d'Uixò.
The Segre River, a tributary of the Ebro, is known for its variable flow and can present hidden dangers even to experienced swimmers. Local authorities continue to emphasize the importance of respecting safety guidelines and being aware of river conditions, particularly during periods of increased recreational activity. The recent incidents serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness when enjoying Spain’s natural landscapes.
