A SPANISH city visited by more than half a million tourists every year has been rocked by tragedy after three children died while swimming off a popular beach.
The horrifying incident took place last Friday afternoon at Arrabassa beach in Tarragona, Catalunya, when a group of teenage friends were playing together in a rocky area known as La Cova del Gos.
Three of the children got into difficulty while swimming out of view of nearby lifeguards, who were flying a yellow flag at the time due to rough seas.
The remainder of the group ran off to alert the lifeguards, who quickly informed emergency services.
Six ambulances, a medical helicopter and emergency personnel from the fire service, Red Cross, maritime rescue service and Mossos d’Esquadra were all dispatched to the scene.
The three missing teenagers were soon pulled out of the water unconscious – one by a boat, one by a lifeguard and the other by helicopter.
Resuscitation efforts began immediately but one boy – Maikel, aged 12 – was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two other boys, both aged 13, were rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
One of the pair died in hospital last Sunday, while the other passed away on Saturday.
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Catalan president Salvador Illa said he was ‘deeply shocked’ by the news, adding that he wished to convey his ‘warmth, affection and support to the families and friends of the boys’.
Tarragona city council have declared three days of mourning.
“These are times of great pain and grief. This tragic incident has cut short the lives of these young people, their families and friends,” said Ruben Viñuales, the mayor of Tarragona.
“We at the city council wish to stand by them and offer them our full support. There are no words to describe an event like this’.
He also spoke about the dangers of swimming in rough seas, warning: “The sea is dangerous – you must take all necessary safety precautions and not take unnecessary risks. And under no circumstances should you jump from the rocks.”
The youngsters are understood to have been pupils at the nearby Torreforta School.
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