A British tourist has tragically drowned off Spain’s Costa Dorada after reportedly jumping from a passenger ferry in an attempt to swim to a beach bar.
The 45-year-old man was travelling with his parents and his 42-year-old brother when the incident struck during a ferry journey between the resorts of Cambrils and Salou in Catalonia on Friday.
According to local reports, the brothers appeared to have been drinking while aboard the vessel.
Police said they had asked for alcohol, but their request was refused by the ferry captain after a crew member consulted him.
The pair reportedly entered the water just minutes before the ferry was due to arrive in Salou.
The 45-year-old is said to have jumped through a window, with his brother following him into the sea.
Passengers raised the alarm immediately, prompting the crew and maritime rescue services to begin a search for the men.
The brothers’ parents remained aboard the ferry, and reportedly told those assisting with the search that their sons were strong swimmers and would be capable of reaching the shore.
However, while the younger brother managed to make it to land alive, the 45-year-old was unable to reach the beach.
The ferry continued to Salou, where the victims’ parents remained at the marina while police took their statements.
The missing man’s body was recovered later that evening and formally identified at 9.52pm.
Local police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
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An autopsy is also being carried out and is expected to establish the precise cause of death.
The tragedy occurred during a particularly deadly summer along the Tarragona coastline.
The 45-year-old is reportedly the fourteenth person to have drowned in the area so far this summer.
The incident also came amid another fatality involving a British holidaymaker elsewhere in Spain.
A 75-year-old British man died after entering the sea while on holiday in Lanzarote.
The alarm was raised at around 2.15pm on Wednesday in Puerto del Carmen, a popular resort in the municipality of Tías.
His wife reportedly contacted lifeguards after losing sight of him when he went swimming near the Jameos Hotel.
A helicopter was sent to assist in the search, and the man’s body was subsequently recovered from the water.
The Civil Guard is investigating the circumstances of the death, although authorities are not currently treating it as suspicious.
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