The woman who tragically drowned on Wednesday morning at Buey Cabón Beach in the Guamá municipality of Santiago de Cuba has been identified as Amarilis Asin Sosa. A mother of two adult sons, she was celebrating her granddaughter's birthday with her family when the incident occurred. The birthday had been the previous day, but the family chose to celebrate with a day at the beach, confirmed journalist Yosmany Mayeta on social media.
The family experienced harrowing moments as they attempted to resuscitate her on the sand while others searched for a car to transport her to a hospital. According to the same source, several vehicle drivers present at the beach refused to assist in transporting the victim to a hospital, which caused outrage among those present.
"After many drivers on the beach refused to help, the woman was eventually taken to the hospital by another car, but she could not be saved despite the efforts made," reported the journalist.
In light of this, several commentators have emphasized that the family has the right to file a complaint against those who refused to provide assistance, as such behavior is punishable by law.
Amarilis Asin has been described as a "dedicated mother and grandmother," and her sudden loss has been a severe blow to her family. She lived in the Nuevo Vista Alegre neighborhood. Her wake was held at her residence, and her burial will take place on Thursday morning.
Unfortunately, this is not the first such incident reported in Santiago de Cuba in recent months. At the end of May, a young man drowned at La Estrella Beach, a small coastal stretch near El Morro. Just days before that incident, two other young people drowned at Sardinero Beach, also in the main municipality of Santiago de Cuba. A group of nine people, including three minors, were swimming in that dangerous coastal area where swimming is officially prohibited.
In that case, the first young victim was identified as Rachel Mora Torres, a 20-year-old resident of Mangos de Baraguá, confirmed Aris Arias Batalla, the provincial head of Aquatic Safety and Operations and Relief of the Red Cross. The other deceased was Yasel Alberto Bicet, also 20 years old and a resident of the Abel Santamaría neighborhood, whose body was found after he had been missing for several hours.
Understanding the Recent Drowning Incidents in Santiago de Cuba
In light of the recent tragic events, here are some frequently asked questions that can provide more insight into the drowning incidents in Santiago de Cuba.
What happened to Amarilis Asin Sosa?
Amarilis Asin Sosa drowned on Wednesday morning at Buey Cabón Beach in Santiago de Cuba while celebrating her granddaughter's birthday with her family. Despite attempts to resuscitate her and transport her to a hospital, she unfortunately passed away.
Why were the bystanders at the beach criticized?
Bystanders at the beach were criticized because several vehicle drivers refused to help transport Amarilis Asin Sosa to a hospital, which caused indignation among those present. Such refusal to provide assistance is punishable by law.
Were there other recent drowning incidents in Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, at the end of May, a young man drowned at La Estrella Beach, and days earlier, two other young people drowned at Sardinero Beach. Both beaches are located in Santiago de Cuba and are known for their dangerous coastal areas.