Tragic Drowning of an 18-Year-Old Cuban in Spain: What We Know

An 18-year-old Cuban, identified by the initials J. L. G. P., tragically drowned this past Wednesday in Las Caldas, a locality within the city of Oviedo, Asturias. The incident occurred at a notorious deep pool known as El Barco in the Nalón River, a spot popular with swimmers yet deemed perilous by local residents.

The young man was in the water with his father, three younger siblings, and other family members. Witnesses reported that he had jumped into the river a few meters upstream from his group, intending to float along with the current—a common practice among swimmers in the area. However, as he neared the shore, he began signaling for help, waving his hands frantically.

“At first, I thought he was joking, but then I realized he wasn't and rushed after him,” his father recounted to authorities. A 15-year-old cousin also attempted a rescue, but despite their efforts, they came within just four or five meters of him before he submerged and vanished beneath the water's surface.

The Challenges of the Rescue Operation

The right bank of the river, where the incident took place, can reach depths of up to six meters and is filled with submerged vegetation and branches, which might have ensnared the young man. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a sudden physical ailment contributing to the tragedy.

The disappearance was reported around 5:25 PM on Wednesday, sparking an extensive rescue mission. The Guardia Civil's Operational Services Center (COS) quickly mobilized patrols, a helicopter, the Mountain Rescue Group (Greim) from Mieres, and the Special Group for Underwater Activities (GEAS). Joining them were the Oviedo Fire Department, SAMU, local police, national police, and a psychological support team from the 112 emergency services.

While the boy's father anxiously awaited news on the shore, his mother and sisters were evacuated by emergency responders due to the emotional distress. At 8:15 PM, two GEAS divers entered the water, and within just two minutes, located the body. It was found "in the middle of the river, about five meters deep," precisely where his father had indicated. The body was retrieved just nine meters from the shore and roughly a hundred meters upstream from the Las Caldas suspension bridge.

A History of Tragedy

This marks the first drowning in Asturias this summer, but it's not the first tragedy in this perilous zone. In 2020, another young man, aged 19, drowned near where J. L. G. P.'s body was discovered. Local residents describe the Nalón pool as "extremely hazardous" due to its depth, whirlpools, and the river’s strong current, which was particularly murky that day. There have been calls from the community to prohibit swimming in this part of the river.

The local media, including El Comercio, highlighted the area's grim reputation with headlines like “The Nalón pool where a young man died, a dangerous place touched by death,” referencing a similar past tragedy. After the body was found, the victim’s family received support from 112 psychologists. Municipal authorities, including José Ramón Prado, the city councilor for Citizen Security, attended the scene to monitor the situation closely.

The community, especially those familiar with the young man, gathered near the Fuso path, close to the site, deeply moved by the loss. The impact was profound as the young man was well-known, athletic, standing over 1.80 meters tall, and a competent swimmer.

This incident has reignited discussions about safety conditions at natural swimming spots, particularly those without regulation or supervision. Authorities are considering renewed calls to restrict or clearly mark the dangers in such areas.