A second minor has died following a drowning at l'Arrabassada beach in Tarragona. Emergency services rescued several youths, but two did not survive. One remains in critical condition at Joan XXIII Hospital.
A second child has died in hospital after a serious drowning incident at l'Arrabassada beach in Tarragona. The accident, which occurred on Friday afternoon, involved a group of six young people who encountered difficulties while swimming near a rocky area marked by a yellow flag due to rough sea conditions. Emergency services were alerted around 15:30, when lifeguards noticed several minors struggling to return to shore in the area known as the cueva del Gos.
Three of the youths managed to escape the water on their own, but the remaining three required immediate rescue by emergency teams. Despite efforts by medical staff, a 12-year-old boy could not be revived at the scene. Two other boys, both aged 13, were transported in critical condition to Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona. In the hours following the incident, one of these 13-year-olds also passed away, bringing the death toll to two.
The president of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the victims through social media on Saturday, highlighting the gravity of the tragedy and acknowledging the work of the emergency medical teams and hospital staff involved in the rescue and treatment efforts. The third minor remains hospitalized in critical condition, with medical teams continuing to monitor his status closely.
According to Protección Civil, the incident unfolded rapidly as the group swam close to rocks despite the yellow flag warning, which signals moderate danger due to waves or currents. The swift response from lifeguards and emergency services prevented further loss of life, but the event has raised concerns about beach safety and the importance of adhering to warning signals, especially during periods of adverse weather.
Spain's Mediterranean coastline, including Tarragona, sees thousands of beachgoers each summer, and local authorities regularly issue safety advisories regarding swimming conditions. The yellow flag, used across Spanish beaches, indicates that swimmers should exercise caution due to potential hazards. In recent years, incidents involving minors have prompted renewed calls for vigilance and improved public awareness campaigns. The tragedy at l'Arrabassada beach underscores the ongoing risks associated with swimming in unguarded or hazardous areas, particularly for young people.
