Two British siblings have died on a beach in Spain after coming into trouble while swimming in the sea.
According to the the Civil Protection force, the boy and girl, aged 11 and 13, drowned off Llarga beach in Salou (Tarragona) on Tuesday night.
The father, who had also entered the water with his children, was rescued alive.
The 112 operator first received a call at 8.47pm, sparking an emergency response.
Paramedics from the Medical Emergency System (SEM) were dispatched to the scene alongside a team of psychologists to assist the grieving family.
The Salou Local Police, the Catalan Police (Mossos d’Esquadra), and the Generalitat Fire Brigade, which activated five units, were also mobilised.
Catalonia’s Civil Protection said in a statement: ‘Two siblings, of British nationality and aged 11 and 13, drowned this evening on the Llarga beach in Salou (Tarragona). The father of the minors, who had also entered the water, was rescued alive.
‘These are the 15th and 16th fatalities on Catalan beaches since the summer campaign officially began on June 15, a figure that already exceeds by five those registered in the same period last summer (11).
‘The emergency telephone number 112 received the warning at 8.47pm. Seven land units of the Medical Emergency System (SEM) intervened in the incident, as well as a team of psychologists activated by the same service to assist the relatives.’
It added: ‘The Civil Protection of the Generalitat reminds us of the importance of taking extreme precautions on beaches, swimming pools and inland waters this summer.
‘If you notice that someone is unwell or has difficulties in the water, you should urgently notify the lifeguard service or call 112 to facilitate their rapid action.’
