**Tragic Loss: British Brothers Aged 11 and 13 Drown at Popular Spanish Resort**
Two young British siblings, aged 11 and 13, tragically lost their lives after drowning at Llarga Beach in Salou, a well-known coastal destination in north-eastern Spain. The incident unfolded on Tuesday evening, casting a pall of grief over both the local community and the boys’ hometown in the United Kingdom.
Spanish emergency services rushed to the scene just after 8:45pm local time, following reports that the children had gotten into difficulty in the water. The boys’ father, who had also attempted to rescue his sons, was pulled from the sea by responders and survived the ordeal. Authorities confirmed that, despite the swift intervention of local police, medical teams, and firefighters, the two boys could not be saved.
According to Catalonia’s Civil Protection Agency, extensive resources were mobilised in the immediate aftermath. Medical staff worked to provide urgent treatment, and a specially trained group of psychologists was sent to offer support to the grieving family, who are believed to have been holidaying in the region at the time of the incident.
It is understood that the family, originally from the UK, had been enjoying the Spanish coastline when disaster struck. Details regarding how the siblings came into trouble in the water have not yet been publicly released, and local authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming that consular staff are supporting the family in Spain. A spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of two British children who have died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Salou, located along the Costa Dorada near Tarragona, is a popular summer holiday destination frequented by families from across Europe. The accident has caused widespread shock among visitors and locals alike, many of whom have left flowers and messages of sympathy in the vicinity of the beach. Incidents of this nature are rare, and local officials have reiterated the importance of water safety, urging swimmers to remain vigilant, particularly during the busy summer months.
Witnesses on the scene described a tense atmosphere as emergency vehicles arrived and rescue workers coordinated their response. One local resident, who asked not to be named, said, “You could tell something terrible had happened. It was heartbreaking to see the family being comforted. The community is in shock.”
The impact of the tragedy is being felt both in Salou and the boys’ home community in Britain, where family friends and neighbours have begun to pay tribute to the siblings. Local schools are expected to offer additional support to pupils affected by the news once term resumes.
As investigations continue, Spanish authorities are expected to review the safety protocols in place at Llarga Beach. Meanwhile, the priority remains providing support for those affected by the accident, with many expressing their deepest sympathies for a family now faced with unimaginable loss. Authorities in both Spain and the UK have stated their commitment to ensuring the family receives all necessary assistance during this extraordinarily difficult time.
The drowning serves as a sombre reminder of the need for vigilance near open water, even in places as seemingly idyllic as Spain’s renowned beaches.