Two young British brothers tragically died on a beach in Spain after coming into trouble while swimming in the sea.
According to the the Civil Protection force, the boys, 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 emergency service operator first received a call at 8.47pm, sparking an large 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.
The authorities said the deaths marked the 15th and 16th fatalities on Catalan beaches since the summer campaign officially began on June 15.
The figure ‘already exceeds by five those registered in the same period last summer’.
FILE PHOTO: Two British brothers drowned in Salou, Tarragona (pictured) on Tuesday night
Catalonia’s Civil Protection said in a statement: ‘Two brothers, 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.’
Seven land units arrived on the scene on Tuesday evening with a team of psychologists to assist the relatives, they said.
‘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.’
Separately, a German tourist, 54, drowned in Cambrils, Tarragona on Tuesday.
Last summer, 11 deaths were reported on Catalan beaches.
