Great sorrow has struck the family, friends, and acquaintances of a young Cuban man, who was discovered drowned in the Nipe Canal in Holguín this past Wednesday.
The tragic event was revealed through social media reports, identifying the deceased as Alejandro, but offering no further details on the circumstances of his death. “He was found drowned in the Nipe Canal,” reported Mariolkis Gómez on her Facebook profile, adding that the body could not be mourned because many hours had passed since his death.
“Oh, Malejo, as the neighborhood kids called you, we are all heartbroken. We mourn your loss. Such a good guy you were, Alejandro. Rest in peace, Alejandro, may God have you in His glory, lifelong friend,” expressed another post.
Dozens of people, including friends and acquaintances of Alejandro, extended their condolences to his mother Rufina, his sister Kariuska Argota, and the rest of his family, while reminiscing about Malejo—his nickname—as a very kind, cheerful, and well-loved young man.
In one of the posts, his sister Kariuska left a heartbreaking message: “My brother, you have destroyed our lives, damn it, why did you do this to me, I’m lifeless. Oh my God, what have you done to me, damn it. May God have you in His glory and take care of you.”
Argota issued a plea to young people who, according to her, often consume alcoholic beverages: “Those young people who are into drinking, please heed the advice of your family and friends,” she emphasized. Although she did not specify the circumstances that led to Alejandro's death, she lamented: “My brother, such a good person, now we are suffering.”
The young woman expressed her gratitude to her entire neighborhood for their support, saying, “I know they will keep him in their hearts.”
Recently, other drowning deaths have been reported in the country. Two young men lost their lives in this manner last May at Playa Sardinero in Santiago de Cuba. A month earlier, great distress was caused by the death of a teenager who drowned in a river in the province of Guantánamo. The young man was about to begin his studies in Medicine.
Understanding Drowning Incidents in Cuba
In light of the recent tragic events, here are some questions and answers to help understand the situation better.
What are the common causes of drowning in Cuba?
Common causes of drowning in Cuba include swimming in unsafe waters, lack of supervision, and alcohol consumption. Natural water bodies such as rivers and canals, where currents can be unpredictable, also pose significant risks.
How can drowning incidents be prevented?
Drowning incidents can be prevented by swimming in designated safe areas, avoiding alcohol consumption when swimming, ensuring supervision for all swimmers, and paying attention to weather and water conditions.
What should one do if they witness a drowning?
If you witness a drowning, call emergency services immediately. If it's safe to do so, try to rescue the person without endangering yourself. Use a flotation device or a long object to help pull the person to safety.