Three teenagers die after drowning at tourist hotspot in Spain

Three teenagers have died in a horror incident at a popular tourist destination in Spain. A group of friends were playing in a rocky area on Arrabassa beach in Tarragona, Catalunya, on Friday when tragedy struck.

The three victims got into difficulty while swimming out of the view of lifeguards, according to reports. The guards on duty, who were flying a yellow flag for rough seas, were then alerted by others in the group.

Six ambulances, a medical hospital and emergency workers from the Red Cross, fire service, maritime rescue service and Spanish police Mossos d’Esquadra attended. The missing teenagers were pulled out of the water unconscious, one by boat, one by helicopter and one by a lifeguard, the Olive Press reported.

While officials tried to resuscitate them at the scene, a 12-year-old boy named Maikel was pronounced dead shortly after being rescued.

Two other 13-year-olds were rushed to hospital, where one of them died on Saturday and the other on Sunday.

The teenagers were reportedly all pupils at the nearby Torreforta School.

Salvador Illa, president of Catalan said he was “deeply shocked” by the news and sent his “warmth, affection and support” to the three boys’ family and friends.

Ruben Viñuales, mayor of Tarragona, also declared three days of mourning, describing the aftermath of the incident as a time of “great pain and grief”.

He said: “This tragic incident has cut short the lives of these young people, their families and friends.

“We at the city council wish to stand by them and offer them our full support. There are no words to describe an event like this.”

Mr Viñuales also warned others to be wary of swimming in rough seas.

“The sea is dangerous,” he said. “You must take all necessary safety precautions and not take unnecessary risks. And under no circumstances should you jump from the rocks.”

Tarragona, which sits on the Spanish Mediterranean, is a popular tourist spot just an hour outside Barcelona, known for its ancient Roman ruins and stunning city beaches.