Consternation in Tarragona for the death of the three minors drowned on Arrabassada beach

BarcelonaA shocked Tarragona recalled this Sunday the three minors aged 12 and 13 who drowned in an accident at Arrabassada beach. The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and the municipal corporation led by the mayor, Rubén Viñuales, headed the institutional representation in an emotional minute of silence in which the victims' parents and siblings received the warmth and support of the citizens. The event, held in Plaça de la Font, in front of the Town Hall, ended with applause, amidst tears and hugs from those present.

Hours before the tribute, the death of the third minor involved in the accident was confirmed. The 13-year-old adolescent was taken to Joan XXIII Hospital after being rescued from the water and stabilized thanks to cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. In the same center, another minor died on Saturday in the same circumstances, while on Friday itself, the death of another 12-year-old minor was certified, who could no longer be resuscitated once the emergency teams managed to get him out of the water.

The three victims were part of a group of six pre-adolescents who were on Friday afternoon in a rocky area known as Cova del Gos, when the marine currents dragged them out to sea. Three of the boys were able to get out of the water and alert the lifeguards, but the other three are the ones who have died this weekend.

Three days of mourning

"These are moments of great pain and consternation. This tragic event has cut short the lives of these young people, their families and friends. From the City Council we want to accompany them and offer them all our support. There are no words in the face of such an event," states Viñuales. Before the minute of silence, President Illa and the mayor held a meeting with the minors' families and, publicly, stood by their side, offering them gestures of support.

Among those attending the minute of silence were other children, schoolmates, and members of CD La Floresta from the city where the adolescent who died on Friday, Maikel, 12 years old, who was captain of his team, played.

The City Council has decreed three days of mourning in Tarragona. During this period, the city has suspended all institutional activities and keeps the official flags at half-mast as a sign of respect for the victims.