- The man rushed into the water to aid the children, aged six and seven
- The double tragedy occurred around midday at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura – around 20 miles south of Alicante
Two people including a British holidaymaker have died in Spain after trying to rescue a pair of children who were in difficulties in the sea at a Costa Blanca beach.
The 52-year-old rushed into the water to aid the youngsters, aged six and seven, along with others.
But he ended up losing his life alongside a Polish Good Samaritan aged 46.
Two other people were taken to hospital with breathing difficulties following the drama earlier today. Their nationalities are not known, but they are believed to be a woman aged around 20 and a man aged 22.
It was not immediately clear this afternoon if the British man, believed to be a tourist, was in any way related to the children.
Two people including a British holidaymaker have died after trying to rescue two children who were in difficulties in the sea at a Costa Blanca beach. Pictured: A view shows La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura, south of Alicante, where the incident unfolded
The two people with breathing problems were taken to Torrevieja University Hospital
The double tragedy occurred around midday at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar de Segura south of Alicante during gusting winds of up to nearly 40mph.
The lifeguard service at the town centre beach where the three drownings in the last two days have occurred is not yet up and running.
Guardamar del Segura mayor Jose Luis Saez said after today’s double tragedy: ‘Three deaths from drowning in the last 24 hours at Guardamar’s beaches.
‘The prevailing sea conditions are very dangerous, with strong dragging currents making bathing unadvisable.’
He added: ‘Maximum precaution is needed as the weekend weather is going to be unstable.’
The tragedies in the last 24 hours means an incredible eight people have now drowned in the province of Alicante, which Guardamar del Segura is part of, in the first seven days of June.
They include a 76-year-old Irishman at a cove called Cala Capitan near the scene of the latest three drownings.
The other drowning victims have included a Belgian pensioner and a Moldovan man.
On Monday three bathers lost their lives, in Calpe, Elche and Orihuela which are all in Alicante province on the Costa Blanca.
The tragedies in the last 24 hours means an incredible eight people have now drowned in the province of Alicante, which Guardamar del Segura is part of, in the first seven days of June
Most councils along the coast do not put lifeguards in place on beaches until June 15 which is considered to be the start of the high season.
A Civil Guard source confirmed one of the dead men was a 52-year-old Brit.
He said: ‘Two people lost their lives. One was British and the other Polish. They were both trying to help two young children who were in difficulties in the sea.
‘The sea conditions were pretty bad.’