Two young lives were lost in a tragic drowning incident this Wednesday at Sardinero Beach in Santiago de Cuba. A group of nine people, including three minors, were swimming in this dangerous stretch of coast where swimming is officially prohibited.
The first victim was identified as Rachel Mora Torres, a 20-year-old resident of Mangos de Baraguá, confirmed by Aris Arias Batalla, the provincial head of Aquatic Safety and Rescue Operations for the Red Cross, on social media.
The second victim, Yasel Alberto Bicet, also 20 and a resident of the Abel Santamaría neighborhood, was missing for several hours until his body was found around 9 a.m. this Thursday.
Following the incident, specialized rescue teams from the Fire Department's Command 4 and Border Guard Troops began searching for the missing young man. The search was suspended overnight and resumed this morning, according to official sources.
The three minors involved in the tragic event are siblings: Renato Cordero Torres (8 years old), Carlos David González Torres (15), and Carla González Torres (17). The two boys have been discharged from the hospital, while Carla remains hospitalized but is not in life-threatening condition after requiring immediate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The siblings were rescued by their group members and subsequently treated at the Josué País health area in the Abel Santamaría neighborhood. There are no reports of the remaining four group members suffering any harm.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta highlighted on social media that "people who drown at Sardinero Beach, if not found on the coast, often appear days later at Siboney Beach or the Marine Dump at Aguadores."
"I urge parents of young people and teenagers, as well as the young people who follow my page, to take all necessary precautions when visiting these coasts that are not designated for swimming. Not only is there a risk of a tragic accident, but sharks or other large fish could also be present since this is open sea," he advised.
No additional details have emerged about the tragic circumstances of the incident, which adds to other similar fatal outcomes at the same beach.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sardinero Beach Tragedy
Following the tragic drowning of two young individuals at Sardinero Beach, many questions have arisen regarding the circumstances and safety measures. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why is swimming prohibited at Sardinero Beach?
Swimming is prohibited at Sardinero Beach due to its dangerous currents and open sea conditions, which pose significant risks to swimmers.
Who are the victims of the Sardinero Beach drowning incident?
The victims were Rachel Mora Torres and Yasel Alberto Bicet, both 20 years old.
How were the minors involved in the incident rescued?
The minors were rescued by members of their group and later received medical attention at the Josué País health area.